3 main parties to Ayodhya suit discuss solution

Unfazed by plans of others to approach the Supreme Court, three main parties in the Ayodhya title suits--Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, Hashim Ansari and the Nirmohi Akhara--came together for the first time on a public platform on Friday to discuss a formula for a negotiated settlement.

Panch Ram Das of the Nirmohi Akhara, Ramvilas Vedanti of the Ram Janmbhoomi Trust and 90-year-old litigant Hashim Ansari held a meeting at the residence of Hanuman Ghari Mahant Gyan Das and deliberated on ways to find a solution to the Ayodhya issue.

Later, the three men claimed they have reached a formula, which they think would be acceptable to both Hindus and Muslims, but did not elaborate. Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and Sunni Central Waqf Board have announced they would approach Supreme court.

"We have devised a solution to the dispute keeping in mind sentiments of people of both Hindu and Muslim communities. And we have also taken into account court's verdict on the issue", Gyan Das told reporters after over one-and-a-half hour meeting.

"We want to create a situation where Hindus do karsewa for construction of mosque and Muslim do similar service for a temple. Those talking of approaching (Supreme) court should understand that this issue could not be resolved through court or parliament", Gyan Das said without spelling out details.

"Hashim bhai has given me the responsibilty for initiating settlement talks and I have brought the three on a platform. The roza-iftar was held here and now the Ayodhya dispute will be sorted out here", Das added

Agreeing with Das, Ansari said that even if someone approached Supreme Court, their exercise for an amicable settlement would continue. "We will not allow those playing politics over the issue among us", Ansari said.        

About the meeting, Panch of Nirmohi Akhari Ram Das said he hoped that both Hindus and Muslims would not have any objection to their formula.

Stating that their forumla would spread message of communal harmony and peace, Mahant Ram Das said that politicians should stop issuing statements on the issue."Bahut khoon kharaba ho gaya, ab aman chain ki baat karni hai" (The issue has witnessed a lot of bloodshed, now we have to talk of peace and harmony), he said.

Vedanti, a senior member of the Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, said he has met Hashmi for the first time and he was glad to talk to him. "The formula will help in mending fences between the Hindu and Muslim community", Vedanti said.