RSS' Muslim wing says Ram temple will be built with consensus

A Ram temple will come up in Ayodhya once the members of all communities are taken into confidence over the matter, Rashrtiya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Muslim outreach wing Muslim Rashtriya Manch has said.

Describing Lord Ram as 'symbol of Indian-ness', the Manch, patronised by senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar, said it is making efforts to make Muslims aware of the 'truth' that Lord Ram is at the centre of faith for Hindus, while the Mughal emperor Babur does not claim similar space for them.

It is believed that Babri Masjid was named after Mughal emperor Babur and built during his reign.

"Ram temple will come up, but only when we take each other into confidence. There is a need to speak to Muslims, members of other communities over this," Mohammed Afzal, national convener of the Manch, said.

"Lord Ram is at the centre of belief of the Hindus. But Babur is not at the centre of belief of the Muslims. He was an invader. We are conveying the truth to our Muslim brothers," he added.

Afzal also claimed that majority of the ulemas associated with the Manch were of the view that the temple must be built in Ayodhya.

"When the Uttar Pradesh high court decision had come (in the Ayodhya case), we had called a meeting of members of our organisation. Around 70-80 ulemas had spoken then. Of these, around 65 people had said the temple should be constructed there as it is the symbol of our Indian-ness. The discussion had taken place without any pressure on anyone," he said.

Afzal dismissed the view that 'atmosphere of intolerance' prevails in the country.

Referring to the makeshift temple at the disputed site, he said, "It is the biggest example of how tolerant India is."