Page 43 - 31MAR2019E

interview

talks failed due to demolition of the
mosque, he said.
“In 1993, Narasimha Rao govern-
ment had brought an ordinance acquir-
ing 2.75 acre of Ram Janambhoomi land
and the surrounding 67 acres of land.
The ordinance had mentioned that this
land has been acquired so that besides
Ram Temple, a mosque and a big library
could also be built on the land. Other
facilities were also planned.”
“Our Parliament had also approved
it. At that time, we believed in forgetting
past and thinking of present. Ayodhya
dispute should be handled in such a

‘Some strong
decisions need to
be taken to resolve
the mandir-masjid
talk it out Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik says
mediation is the only way out issue, which is so
complicated that
it cannot be solved
by courts alone
dispute via mediation then why Modi, made him a member of the mediation
who is leader of the party which sup- committee, Dr Vaidik refused to com- as it involves
ports the construction of Ram Temple, ment. However, he said if asked he will people’s belief’
is snoring on the issue? Why Modi has definitely come forward to help in the
handed over the commands in hands larger interest of the country for solv-
of the court? It’s a win-win situation ing the longstanding dispute. way that it satisfies every stakeholders,”
for him. Monitoring the situation from Dr Vaidik said that some controver- said Dr.Vaidik, who was the first batch
background, he can ensure goodwill sial facts to be decided to resolve the is- Ph.D in international affairs from Jawa-
prevailing for him by a unanimous pro- sue are so complicated that it cannot be harlal Nehru University.
temple decision by third party i.e. courts solved by courts as it is the issue of peo- Dr Vaidik is of the view that a
or mediation committee will not only ple’s belief and not merely a legal issue. resplendent Ram Temple should be
give thumping impetus to Modi-led Efforts to resolve it via mediation were constructed on Ram Janambhoomi
NDA government, he can also ensure almost at the point of success during land and in the remaining 50 or 60
swift implementation of decision with the tenure of former Prime Ministers acres land a Mosque, a Gurudwara, a
least resistance as decision of court will Chandra Shekhar and PV Narasimha Church, a Bodh and a Jain temple as
have to be honoured by everyone. Rao. well as worship places for Jews and Par-
“However, if the camel sits on the On Dr Vaidik’s suggestion, Ashok sis should be constructed so that Ayod-
other side of the fence, Modi still will Singhal, the then VHP Chief had agreed hya becomes a world pilgrimage centre.
have a face saver as he will try to con- to postpone temple construction move- “The place should become world’s
vince voters that although NDA did ment for three months — from October biggest tourist centre. Beside religious
everything possible to construct Ram to December 1992. Efforts of amicable places, a biggest spiritual and philo-
Temple, but it has to respect and sup- solution were going on. In the mean- sophical university should be set up in
port the courts decision.” time, the mosque was demolished on the area. This will be a great monument
When asked that whether consider- December 6, 1992. of New India,” he said.
ing his wide experience in solving the At that time both the Govt. and other
issue, Supreme Court should not have parties wanted to settle the dispute but letters@tehelka.com

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