VHP-organised bike rally demanding Ram temple in Ayodhya (file photo)

NEW DELHI: National Commission for Minorities chief Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi on Monday came out strongly in favour of construction of a Ram temple at the contested site in Ayodhya , saying that a swift resolution of the dispute could help address growing communal tensions.

Citing the “current atmosphere of growing tension” between Hindus and Muslims as a matter of grave concern , he said the commission will at a meeting on November 14 discuss the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court for an early hearing in the title suit.

Rizvi sees the construction of the temple as the only way out to not just end the long-pending dispute but also the fear and tension that the Muslim minority is living under.

The NCM in its full commission meeting next week is expected to dwell on the role and stand of the commission in the situation arising out of the issue. A resolution may also be formalised to reach out to the government and the minority community with the NCM’s viewpoint.

“The government should take necessary measures whether through talks with stakeholders or through an ordinance. Whatever be the way out, a resolution is critical to ease the tension,” Rizvi told TOI .

“I am of the firm view that a temple should be built at the site and that is the only way to end the dispute and safeguard the Muslim minority community from fear and tension, “ Rizvi said. The NCM chief’s assertion comes at a time when VHP — with the backing of RSS — is pushing for construction of Ram temple at the earliest.

Rizvi shared that the commission does not want to be a mere reactionary body in the matter by responding to complaints of tension or incidents between majority and minority community members. “As NCM it is our responsibility to safeguard the interests of the minorities and therefore an early resolution of the Ayodhya issue is important. The commission is getting cases regularly involving tension between communities and somewhere the invisible trigger rests in the overall atmosphere prevailing over the Ayodhya site,” Rizvi said.

