Babri Masjid case: Shia want masjid away from mandir

New Delhi: In a surprise development, the Shia Central Wakf Board on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area and at a distance from Lord Rama’s place of birth in Ayodhya.

Ahead of the crucial hearing of the appeals against the Allahabad High Court order relating to the title dispute in Ayodhya on August 11, the Shia Board had taken a contrary stand to that of the Sunni Wakf Board, which favoured construction of the mosque at the disputed site. Pointing out that the matter was pending for seven years, and respecting the sentiments of the Hindus, the Shia Board said it was ready to conclude a peaceful settlement of the dispute.