Hindus, Muslims amicably resolve religious dispute

LUCKNOW - Sending out a message of communal harmony and peace ahead of the much-awaited Sep 24 court verdict on Ayodhya’s Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, Hindus and Muslims in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district have amicably resolved a religious dispute, an officer said Thursday.

Hindus and Muslims of the Daswakalan village have decided to set up a temple near a mazar (mausoleum) where some idols were found, said a press release issued here Thursday evening by the director general of police (DGP).

Members of both the communities held a public meeting after a Shivling (a symbol of Lord Shiva) and an idol of the bull Nandi (the vehicle of Shiva) were recovered during the renovation of the Malang Baba mazar in Daswakalan, some 300 km from Lucknow.

“The idols were recovered while the digging exercise related to the renovation of the mazar was being carried out by some people Tuesday. Later after holding meetings, the members of the two communities unanimously decided to set up a temple near the mazar,” the release said.

Hailing the decision taken by the members of the two communities, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Brij Lal told reporters here: “It has been decided that on half of the area of the land a temple would be set up and the remaining area will belong to the mazar.”