Ram temple will end terrorism: Advani
The BJP chief made the remarks after visiting the disputed Ayodhya complex.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president LK Advani on Friday declared that the construction of a grand Hindu temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque in Ayodhya would end India's problems including terrorism.
Visiting this town two days after five terrorists were gunned down during an attempt to strike at a small Ram temple built on the mosque ruins, Advani said: "If people decide on a plan to resolve the Ayodhya dispute amicably, then many types of problems will end. That includes terrorism."
According to Advani, millions of Indians wanted to see a Ram temple at the mosque site. "The people of India will never be satisfied until a grand temple is built at the birthplace of Ram."
The former deputy prime minister made the remarks after visiting the disputed complex where terrorists stormed on Wednesday, apparently with a plan to blow up a makeshift temple built at the spot where the Babri mosque stood until it was razed in 1992.
The incident again revived the spotlight on a site that has been at the centre of India's most volatile and lingering Hindu-Muslim ownership row.
Amid anger within the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over his remarks about Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Advani's assertions appeared to be an attempt to deflect some heat.
After the speech, Advani raised the slogan of "Jai Shri Ram" thrice.
Advani accused the central government of turning a blind eye to many indications and information that Ayodhya was always one of the main terror targets.
"I was home minister for six years and received reports from the Intelligence Bureau," he remarked, asking why the government did not take any action.
Harping on the need to reach a solution to the lingering row, Advani said: "We held talks with various groups. In our final days, we held talks with a number of groups and communities."
The BJP leader also said that by repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), the government had shown it could compromise in the war against terror.
POTA, brought in by the BJP-led government, was repealed last year when the new Congress-led government decided to strengthen the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
