RSS says it is for 'amicable' Ayodhya solution

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh today told the Liberhan Commission, inquiring into the demolition of the Babri masjid on December 6, 1992, that it always favoured an amicable settlement to the Ram Janambhoomi dispute as it would infuse 'new blood' to help India emerge a strong nation.

'An amicable settlement of the Ram Janambhoomi would infuse new blood into national life and Bharat would emerge as a proud and strong nation,' the RSS said in a written submission filed before the commission.

Referring to the findings of the Justice P K Bahri tribunal, which absolved the RSS of being involved in the mosque's demolition, the outfit claimed that being a nationalist and patriotic organisation it has always sought to avoid 'a confrontation of communities'.

The submission, filed by advocate Rajesh K Gogna, said the tribunal, constituted by the central goverment after the demolition of the disputed structure, concluded that 'there was no material or cause that the RSS was involved in any unlawful activities including the demolition'.

To support its contention that the RSS was not involved in the demolition, the Sangh relied on the evidence of its chief K S Sudarshan, who deposed as a witness before the commission on December 20, 2000.

Sudarshan had told the commission that the then central government did not appreciate the depth of public sentiment
over the issue, and on December 6, 1992, the kar sevaks (religious workers) did not hear the restraining calls from top Bharatiya Janata Party and other leaders and refused to dismount from the domes of the mosque.

Elaborating on the sequence of events till the demolition, the RSS said it hoped its written submissions would facilitate the commission to arrive at a just and fair conclusion.

Meanwhile, the commission today adjourned the hearing for June 18 since advocates appearing for different individuals and organisations sought more time to file their written submissions.

Advocate Sat Pal Jain, appearing for senior BJP leaders L K Advani, M M Joshi and Uma Bharti, said the draft submission was ready but he needed more time to prepare the final written submission.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh's counsel B B Saxena also made a similar request and both were
directed to file their submission on or before June 17.

The commission also agreed to a request from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board counsel Bahar-e-Barqi that after the written submissions from the various parties the board should, if required, be given a chance to file a revertal.

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