'We have asked Muslims to remain cool'

Activists of the Babri Masjid Action Committee have decided not to react to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's decision to raise the tempo of the Ram temple stir.

BMAC convenor Zafaryab Jilani told rediff.com in Lucknow on Saturday evening: "I know this is a systematic design of the VHP and its allies to incite a communal clash."

Jilani, who is also the official BMAC legal counsel, said, "We have advised Muslims to maintain their cool and not get provoked under any circumstances, because that's exactly what the VHP is looking forward to."

Criticising Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his remarks on Ayodhya, he said, "Well, on our part we have always maintained that the BJP, VHP and the Bajrang Dal are all different arms of the parent body, the RSS, whose ultimate goal is to keep the atmosphere communally charged.

"Why is the VHP suddenly demanding the disputed land when they know that the issue is pending before the top judicial offices of the land.

"The Ayodhya hype is being created only with the forthcoming elections in Himachal Pradesh in view... the BJP is playing smart by systematically pushing its ally VHP to the forefront while looking forward to garnering votes in the name of the temple."

Why should the VHP always 'violate' the law of the land, he asked.

"When we are willing to abide by the court order, why should the VHP or BJP have any problems about following suit?

"Since the Supreme Court had upheld the central government's acquisition of the 67 acres of land in and around the Babri Masjid site and had also ordered maintenance of status quo, any move by the VHP would amount to violation of the apex court's orders," he added.