Muslims, by and large, not opposing Ram temple in Ayodhya: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar is in Ayodhya to mediate and resolve the Ram Temple dispute.

AYODHYA: Spiritual teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday said that most Muslims are not opposing the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. "I know some may not agree with this, but Muslims by and large are not opposing the Ram temple," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.

He added that a solution may sometimes seem impossible "but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible."

The Art of Living founder on Thursday held an interaction with all stakeholders of the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya to resolve the issue. His visit comes even as the Supreme Court is due to hear the case on December 5.

He said that the mediation talks had begun but it is too early to reach a conclusion."The environment is positive. People want to come out of this conflict. I know it is not easy. Let me talk to everyone. It is too early to reach a conclusion," he had said earlier in the day.

Ravi Shankar had proposed to hold open talks with stakeholders in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. He had made the announcement on the sidelines of his lecture to students of a university.

He had pressed that he did not have an agenda and would listen to everybody.

While the visit has been applauded by leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it has been criticised by opposition leaders. 

Ahead of Sri Sri's meeting with all stakeholders on Thursday, he had met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the latter's residence in Lucknow on Wednesday.