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Sheela Bhatt in New Delhi
Vinay Katiyar, Member of Parliament from Faizabad-Ayodhya constituency and chief of Bajrang Dal, in an exclusive interview to rediff.com said that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was working seriously towards a permanent solution to the Babri masjid-Ram temple controversy.
He added, "Wait for it (solution) will not be long."
Katiyar revealed, "The talks to pacify Muslims was started during Kumbh mela. Muslims of Ayodhya, Faizabad and other parts of Uttar Pradesh participated in a meeting convened by us. They have expressed their willingness to help Hindus build a bigger Ram Mandir, where a small mandir (temple) exists."
"They (Muslims) have understood that since it's (Ayodhya) a birthplace of Ram, the Hindus should be allowed to build a temple," he said.
He added the Muslims would be satisfied if the government allots a place nearby to build a mosque.
Katiyar said that while persuading Muslims he gave the example of Mecca and Medina, where a few years back four ancient mosques were demolished to build roads and toilets.
He also quoted the 'opinion of 20 Muslim scholars' that Babar demolished a Ram temple at Ayodhya.
Katiyar claimed, "Muslims of Ayodhya understand that in Islam, Jama masjid is possible, but not Jahangir or Babur masjid."
He said, "The solution of Ayodhya will be found soon, since the Muslims are understanding our point of view. I cannot reveal the names of people PM is talking to."
However, the convenor of the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee, Zafaryab Jilani, Babri Masjid Coordination Committee convenor Syed Shahabuddin and almost all other Muslim leaders have said that neither Vajpayee nor anyone else from the government weres holding any talks with them or with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
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