The Supreme Court’s advice in favour of settling the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute at Ayodhya through talks did not enthuse Muslim bodies and representatives though they kept the option open under the condition that the apex court monitors such negotiations.
Zafaryab Jilani, convenor of the Babri Action Committee, said an “out-of-court settlement is not possible” as several “sustained attempts at the highest levels,” including by two Prime Ministers, over the past three decades had failed.
‘To follow court order’
“Our experience tells us that mutual talks will not resolve the dispute. We will not go for out-of-court settlement. But if the court passes an order, we will follow it,” Mr. Jilani said.
Haji Mehboob, a petitioner in the Babri Masjid case, said he had “no objection” to the idea of talks provided it was validated by the SC and involved the Nirmohi Akhara, a party to the case from the temple side, and not other right-wing outfits unrelated to the case.
Published - March 22, 2017 12:43 am IST