Muslims by and large not opposed to Ram Temple: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Ayodhya today in a bid to mediate in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute said a positive step had been taken but it could take three to six months to find a solution
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Ayodhya today in a bid to mediate in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute said a positive step had been taken but it could take three to six months to find a solution.
The Art of Living founder said also said Muslims by and large were not opposed to building the Ram Temple.
"I know some may not agree with this, but Muslims by and large are not opposing the Ram Temple," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press.
"A solution may sometimes seem impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible," he added.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who met Iqbal Ansari, litigant in the BabriMasjid case, said, "Talks are in process, it is too soon to conclude anything."
The spiritual leader said mediation was a "golden opportunity" for both Hindus and Muslims to find a solution.
"We have taken a step forward from everybody's opposition. But I think this could take some time, three to six months. We will meet people from both communities. Whatever the court decides will be for everybody but this is a golden opportunity for both sides to come together and find a solution to the issue and show their brotherhood.
One community may think 50 years later, that injustice was meted out to them. Then this issue can come up once again, If we want to put an end to the issue once and for all, then there is only one way that both communities co-operate and build the temple.
This seems impossible right now but it is possible to make this possible," he said.
"The environment is positive. People want to come out of this conflict. I know it is not easy. Let me talk to everyone. It is too early to reach a conclusion," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press.
The Art of Living founder arrived in Ayodhya amid high security earlier in the day.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who had welcomed Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer to mediate between the stakeholders yesterday, downplayed the spiritual leader's efforts today and said one should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict.
"Talks have been initiated earlier as well but without any solution, but still I welcome anyone who makes efforts again. Supreme Court is hearing the case we should wait for it," the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Yogi Adityanath met yesterday (November 15) at Yogi Adityanath's official residence in Lucknow.
In an informal interaction with journalists after meeting Adityanath, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said,"I want unity...I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all."
A top official described the meeting between Ravi Shankar and Adityanath as "good".
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav had yesterday downplayed the visit, and said the legal process should first let be completed in the Supreme Court, only after which other options should be explored.
The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which in a few weeks will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer for mediating in the dispute has received a tepid and skeptical response from key protagonists on both sides. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have voiced reservations about his role.
A bench headed by the then Chief Justice J S Khehar had said in March this year that such religious issues can be resolved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque.
In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara.
All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land.