Former RSS chief Sudarshan meets Shia cleric

In an attempt to resolve various issues between Hindus and Muslims, former RSS chief KS Sudarshan on Sunday met Shia cleric Hamidul Hasan.

During the meeting held in Lucknow, both Sudarshan and Hasan discussed issues like Vande Mataram controversy, India-Pakistan partition and put forth their views, while emphasising on "unified India".

"Islam teaches us peace, respect for the country and all religions. Though we did not pay obeisance to anyone except Allah, we should try to understand and respect Vande Mataram," Hasan said on the recent Vande Mataram controversy.

He said that all Muslim ulemas should assemble and discuss the issue (of reciting Vande Mataram).

Sudarshan said that Vande Mataram meant "Maa Tujhe Salaam" and there was nothing objectionable in reciting it by anyone.

The former RSS chief during the interaction said, "Muslims were not a minority in the country, as they comprised 17 per cent of the population. They took birth here and are party of the country."

Toeing Sudarshan's line, the Shia cleric said, "They (Muslims) are very much part of the country, and were not responsible for partition of the country."

"Muslims, who went to Pakistan were not happy there," he said and added, "Muslims never wanted partition. We want an unified India and support others for the cause."