Pressure mounts on AIMPLB for reconciliation

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding the dismay and disquiet among Muslims over the Allahabad high court verdict on Babri Masjid, a group of some Muslim organization and a small section of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) are reportedly engaged in the reconciliation move.

Though the little known All India Ulema Mashaikh Board and the All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced their support for opening negotiations with the Mandir camp, few members of the AIMPLB are also working for "reconciliation lobby" within the board.

Chartered accountant and a member of board Kamal Farooqui and Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangimahali of Lucknow are reportedly on the forefront of the this lobby. Maulana Khalid Rashid chided Mulayam Singh Yadav for saying that "Muslims felt cheated" by this judgment.

The AIMPLB is set to take a formal note of the Allahabad High Court judgment on Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Masjid dispute in its legal committee meeting on October 9. The activities of "reconciliation lobby" before the board meeting creating doubt in the mind of common Muslims.

Convener of Babri Masjid committee of AIMPLB, S Q R Ilyas, however said that individuals are free to give their view in their personal capacity but the final decision would be taken by the board after its meeting in New Delhi on October 9 and on October 16 in Lucknow. He said that most AIMPLB members are in favour of appeal against the HC verdict. "How can we handover our mosque to anybody. It is not a personal property" Ilyas told TIA. He, however said that Board could also discuss the settlement proposal.

On the other side RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagwat too has asked for reconciliation, rather than prolonging the ordeal through one more round of litigation in the Supreme Court. Sources said Sangh is also approaching amenable group in the Muslim camp.

TIA/ Special Correspondent