The disputed sites in Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura should be handed over to Hindus either through negotiations or legislation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh demanded in a resolution adopted unanimously on the opening day of its two-day national executive meeting in Kanyakumari on Saturday.
The demand assumes significance ahead of the meeting of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in Lucknow on Sunday to consider Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati's proposal on the Ayodhya issue.
"We fully support the countrywide movement for resurrection of the three temples. It should not be seen as a Hindu-Muslim dispute, but as a matter of the nation's self-respect," RSS spokesman Ram Madhav said in Kanyakumari.
Madhav referred to the 'just demand of the Hindu community' for the 'restoration' of the shrines of Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi by saying, "Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Shankar symbolise India's age-old civilisation, culture and spiritual identity."
Asked about the VHP's demand for a legislation on Ayodhya, Madhav said, "There should not be any hurry without satisfying either of the parties involved.
"We know that our friends in the VHP are mobilising support of MPs by approaching them individually on the demand for legislation. So far, they have got around 160 signatures from BJP MPs and other groups. They are continuing their efforts."
He said the RSS understood the difficulties of the BJP, as it did not have the required numbers in Parliament.
"The Muslims in this country are also inheritors of this culture and should not become flag-holders of invaders like Babar," Madhav said.
At the conclave it was felt that the Ayodhya movement symbolised the yearning for national self-respect.
"Restoration of the pristine glory of these holy places is the bounden duty of independent India," the resolution said.
Madhav also cautioned against the efforts by 'vested interests' within the Hindu community to create a rift in the Hindu movement by spreading 'untruths and maligning holy persons'.
"We believe that nothing should be done by way of words or deeds to divide the Hindus."
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders in New Delhi expressed happiness over the resolution.
"Contrary to the propaganda by vested interests, the VHP and the RSS have identical views on the dispute in Ayodhya. By supporting our proposal for the construction of Ram temple, the Sangh has amply made it clear that we think alike and we are happy about it," Giriraj Kishore told rediff.com
"By supporting our demand for a legislation, the Sangh has obviated the fact that the issue is a matter of national pride, something to which we wholeheartedly subscribe," he said.
Vishnu Hari Dalmia said, "I feel good they have supported us.
"You cannot suppress the Hindu majority from going ahead and constructing the temple. Now it is left to the Muslims whether they want an amicable solution or confrontation."