Resolve Ayodhya issue through negotiations: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 22 (UNI) Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today said the entangled Ayodhya dispute should be resolved through negotiation.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Shankar said both the Hindu and Muslim religious leaders should sit together and resolve the dispute through negotiations.

''I do not favour use of any kind of force for the construction of Lord Ram temple at Ayodhya.'' He claimed all Muslims were not against the temple construction, but their concern is if the minority community lent consent for the construction of temple at Ayodhya, Hindus might raise similar demands at Varanasi and Mathura.

The Yoga Shiromani also said no solution of the dispute through judicial process seemed possible. ''The only solution is that the religious heads of both sides sit together and resolve the issue.'' Criticising the government decision to take the management of top Hindu temples, Mr Shankar termed it improper. ''The religious freedom of all should be maintained...why takeover only Hindu temples and not of other religions?'' Expressing concern on decreasing women population in the country, Mr Shankar said there must be effective check on illegal abortions and stern punishment.

He advised the saints to raise voice against increasing pollution in rivers. ''They should go among the masses and acquaint them of its ill effects. To depend only on government is wrong. The government alone cannot solve the problem of increasing pollution.'' Advocating the entry of Dalits in temple, he said the gap between Dalits and upper caste Hindus was increasing and suggested the chasm must be bridged.

''Eminent saints Balmiki and Maharshi Ved Vyas belonged to Dalit and backward classes. Only the saints can bring the Dalits and upper castes together and unite the Hindu community.'' The Art of Living founder arrived here today to take part in various programmes.

He performed 'rudrabhisek' in the pandal of Jagganath Dham Trust and participated in 'sant sammelan and satsang'. Thousands of his devotees from across the country had already reached here.

Tomorrow, he will inagurate North India's first Gyan Mandir in the city.

UNI