Muslim board may consider fresh proposal

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Monday indicated it could consider fresh proposals from the Kanchi Shankaracharya to resolve the Ayodhya issue, but made it clear it would not take the initiative for a dialogue.

AIMPLB member Sajjad Nomani told PTI in Lucknow that any fresh move would again have to come from the other side.

"The shankaracharya had initiated the (previous) move by coming over to meet the rector and president of the board Rabey Hasan Nadvi in Lucknow, and if he deems it proper, he may send a fresh proposal which could pave way for an amicable settlement of the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute," Nomani said.

"In case there is any move to bring a proposal to resolve the crisis through talks, it would have to be rational, reasonable, within the framework of the Indian Constitution and in accordance with the past resolutions of the board," Nomani said.

He and Zafaryab Jilani, another Board member, ruled out further talks on the Kanchi seer's rejected formula.

"Sunday's resolution of the Board is absolutely clear. There can be no discussion on surrendering the mosque site," they told PTI.

Referring to the Kanchi seer's statement in Kancheepuram on Monday that his doors were open if the Muslims wanted further discussions, Jilani said, "The seer is repeating the appeal for donating the disputed site in Ayodhya and the Muslim community is firm that the site of the mosque cannot be donated, that too under duress."

Nomani said the seer was trying to 'undo the wrong done on December 6, 1992 by asking that another wrong be done by surrendering the mosque site to Hindus'.

"Such pressure tactics will only vitiate the atmosphere and create serious law and order problems," he added.

The Muslim community has complete faith in the judicial system of the country and is ready to wait for the final court verdict to resolve the issue, he said.

PTI