I welcome HC decision, says oldest litigant

Lucknow: Mohammed Hashim Ansari, 90, the oldest litigant in the Ayodhya land dispute Thursday welcomed the High Court verdict and said a final decision on it will be taken by the Sunni Wakf Board.

"I welcome the court decision. I appeal to all Muslims in the country not to get upset over the decision as our fight has now become tough," said Ansari.

'Verdict opens up 'chance for reconciliation'

The 90-yr-old Ansari welcomes the verdict but says a final decision will be taken by the Sunni Wakf Board.

The verdict has opened up a "chance for reconciliation" between Hindus and Muslims, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said.

"I would not like to jump to conclusions right now but there could be a mandir and a masjid existing along side in Ayodhya in the larger interest of the nation. The court has opened up some consensus for us and a chance for reconciliation," Kamal Farooqui told reporters here.

He said India had become a "matured nation" and "we will move forward". But he refused to say whether the ruling favoured Hindu or Muslim groups.

"It's too early to interpret the judgment. We are studying it and ultimately the rule of law has to prevail."

A majority ruling of the three-judge bench said the site would be divided into three - one for the Muslims, one for the Hindus and the third for the Nirmohi Akhara.

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