NCM makes headway on Hindu-Muslim dialogue

The efforts of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to facilitate a dialogue between leaders of Hindus and Muslims to restore peace and mutual trust in riot-ravaged Gujarat seem to be making a headway. In separate meetings the NCM team, led by its vice-chairman Tarlochan Singh, had with Muslim and Hindu leaders here today, it was decided to form committees of leaders from both communities to initiate a dialogue.

VHP to help peace process: Togadia

GANDHINAGAR: VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia today said the VHP will cooperate in efforts to restore peace and amity in Gujarat. He suggested that the government, Muslims and Hindus sit together to ‘‘sort out the problem’’. Speaking to The Indian Express at the Circuit House, where he had come with other Sangh Parivar leaders to meet with members of the National Commission for Minorities, Togadia said, ‘‘I am prepared to visit any Muslim village or town affected by the riots, and help rehabilitate the victims’’. (ENS) Story continues below this ad

They also met Chief Minister Narendra Modi and assured him that they would arrange his meeting with Muslim leaders next week. The commission members asked Modi about the relief and rehabilitation measures and the confidence-building measures being taken for an early return of normalcy.

After Modi’s meeting with Muslim leaders, the members of the Muslim committee, headed by Mufti Shabbir Ahmed of Ahmedabad, and the Hindu panel led by VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia will sit together to sort out the differences between the two communities and discuss steps to restore peace.

Asked why Modi could not take an initiative for a dialogue, the NCM vice-chairman said: ‘‘We are not here to comment on the CM’s conduct. The NCM is here to mediate and ensure peace in the state.’’