'Anti-nationals may exploit situation post Ayodhya verdict'

In an overwhelming consensus at the interfaith meeting at National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's residence, attendees acknowledged that the situation after the Ayodhya verdict may be exploited by "anti-national" forces both within the country and outside, with a subtle reference to Pakistan without naming it.

"Those attending the meeting were aware of the fact that certain anti-national and hostile elements, both within and outside the country, may attempt to exploit the situation to harm our national interest. The religious leaders pledged their unstinted support to the government in all measures it may take to maintain peace and order," said a statement.

The statement was released after Doval held a meeting at his residence with religious leaders across faiths. In the wake of Supreme Court's judgment in the Ayodhya title dipute case, eminent Hindu and Muslim religious leaders and intellectuals interacted with Doval.

Those present at the meeting reposed full faith in the rule of law and the Constitution of India and extended their full co-operation to the government in ensuring peace and communal harmony and upholding the rule of law.

"The leaders resolved to honour the decision of the Supreme Court and appealed to all countrymen to abide by it, emphasising that national interest overrides all other considerations," the statement said.

The religious leaders noted that millions of people of both the communities displayed a great sense of responsibility sensitivity and restraint in accepting the SC verdict.

According to the statement, the leaders emphasised on the need for continuous dialogue between various communities.

In what will go down in history as one of its most landmark verdicts, the Supreme Court on Saturday granted the ownership of the 2.77 acres of disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindus, paving the way for the construction of a Ram Temple, and ruled that the Muslims will get 5 acres of land at an alternative site.IANS