NCM chief for out- of- court Ayodhya deal

Rizvi urges Muslims to be ‘ large- hearted’; offers to act as a mediator ◗ If a solution is achieved outside the court respectfully, both sides will be happy: Rizvi

that if they agree to settle the Ayodhya issue, no dispute over mosques in other places such as “Kashi and Mathura” will arise.

In an interview, Mr Rizvi said the commission, in its monthly meeting on November 14, authorised him to hold talks with all the stakeholders for an out- of- court settlement of the Ayodhya issue.

In October, the Supreme Court fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid land dispute case for the first week of January before an “appropriate bench”, which will decide the schedule of hearing.

“I believe that the court judgment will be in favour of one side and against the other side, so it would be better to have an out of court settlement. In that direction, I, as the NCM chairperson, will meet people from both communities and will try for an out- of- court settlement,” he said.

If a solution is achieved outside the court respectfully, both sides will be happy and the division that has been created will be bridged, Mr Rizvi said.

Asked about concerns of Muslims that if they agree for resolving the issue, disputes may arise over mosques in other places, the NCM chairperson said he would speak with both sides specifically on the issue.

Mr Rizvi said that he will soon discuss the issue with Vishva Hindu Parishad ( VHP) working president Alok Kumar and Muslim Personal Law Board members, Sunni Waqf Board office- bearers and Islamic scholars, in Lucknow. He said in talks it can be explored whether the Ram temple could be given to the Hindus as it is

a matter of faith for them, and in the future there is no dispute on any other mosque in “Kashi or Mathura”, or elsewhere.

Mr Rizvi said if such an assurance is given, then he believes this will prove to be a landmark and a “big pillar” in facilitating an agreement between the two sides.

Asked if Muslims should take a “largehearted” approach on the issue, he said, “Yes, I want to appeal that the Muslim community should be large- hearted ( on the issue). Somebody will have to take a step forward. As places such as Mecca and Madina are important for Muslims, in the same way Ayodhya is important for Hindus. It should be seen in that context.” The entire Hindu community in the country has faith in the Ram temple and is associated with it, he said.

“If you see it in the context then you will see that place should be given for the construction of the Ram mandir... If Muslims show a large heart, take such a decision, then the divide that has been created over time will be bridged to an extent,” he said.

If the Ram temple is constructed on the basis of the Hindu- Muslim unity, it will not only be good for the country’s politics, but also for development, he said.

On whether he would also seek help in his mediation efforts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi

Adityanath, Mr Rizvi said if talks move in the “positive” direction and towards a “concrete solution” then the commission will speak with whosover it has to.

On demands of bringing a law or ordinance for the construction of the Ram temple, Mr Rizvi said it is the government’s job to decide on such matters and the NCM has no say in it.