Verdict opens up \’chance for reconciliation\’: Muslim panel member

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

LUCKNOW - The Allahabad High Court decision on the disputed Ayodhya site has opened up a \”chance for reconciliation\” between Hindus and Muslims of India, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said Thursday after the verdict.

\”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