I told security forces not to fire at kar sewaks: Kalyan

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh on Wednesday said he was not in favour of demolition of the Babri Masjid, but admitted protecting kar sewaks by instructing security forces not to open fire at them.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh on Wednesday said he was not in favour of demolition of the Babri Masjid, but admitted protecting kar sewaks by instructing security forces not to open fire at them.

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"I was not in favour of demolishing the Mosque. But, I protected kar sewaks who were demolishing the Mosque by not issuing firing orders. I instructed the security forces not to open fire at kar sewaks on December 6, 1992," he told reporters here.

His comments came a day after he floated 'Jan Kranti Party,' which, he said, would have 'Hinduism and nationalism' as its ideology.

In a U-turn, he said he had never apologised to the Muslims for demolition of the Masjid. But, when he was with the Samajwadi Party after parting ways with the BJP, he had, in public meetings, tendered apology for his 'failure' in saving the structure.

Singh was here for darshan at the disputed site of Babri Masjid/Ram Janma Bhumi.

He said he would convince Muslims to abandon their claim over the site and let the Ram temple be constructed.

Singh said he was hopeful of a peaceful solution to the issue through talks between leaders of Hindus and Muslims.

"I had initiated some effort in that direction at one point of time, but before I could make much headway, my government was out," the former CM said about the dismissal of of his government by the Centre.