Gyanvapi Dispute: Muslim Side To Hold Key Meeting On Supreme Court's Mediation Proposal

Varanasi: Amidst the long-running legal battle in Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi dispute, efforts to find a solution through dialogue seem to be intensifying. Following the suggestion of mediation by the Supreme Court, an important meeting of the Muslim side has been called on Monday. In this meeting it will be decided how to carry forward the process of negotiations outside the court. However, the final decision will depend on the consent of all parties.

Why did the stir increase after the Supreme Court's initiative?

During the recent hearing, the Supreme Court had indicated that solutions to some of the major religious disputes in the country can also be found through mutual dialogue. After this, discussion started on the possibility of dialogue between the two parties in the Gyanvapi case also. The court did not force any party to negotiate but said that the option of mediation should be kept open if an agreement is reached.

What will happen in the meeting of Muslim side?

Representatives from the Muslim side and related organisations will meet on Monday to decide the future strategy. The meeting will discuss whether to join the negotiation process or not and if so, then under what conditions it should proceed. The Muslim side will clarify its formal stand only after the meeting.

What does the Hindu side have to say?

The Hindu side associated with the Gyanvapi complex says that it is ready for every constitutional option along with the ongoing hearing in the court. However, the final decision regarding negotiations will depend on the consent and conditions of all concerned parties. At present no official announcement of any agreement has been made by either party.

What will happen next now?

After the outcome of the meeting of the Muslim side, it will be clear whether any concrete initiative is taken towards dialogue to resolve the dispute or the matter will proceed completely through the judicial process. At present, various cases related to Gyanvapi controversy are pending in the courts and their hearing is going on as per rules.

Now everyone's eyes are fixed on the outcome of the meeting because it will decide whether a new path of negotiation emerges in this decades-old dispute or the matter will proceed completely under the court process.