RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Continues 'Samvad' With Muslim Intellectuals And Religious Leaders

RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat along with senior Sangh functionaries on Thursday met Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the chief of All India Imam Organisation. The closed door meeting at Kasturba Gandhi Marg mosque lasted for more than an hour.

Bhagwat was accompanied by senior Sangh functionaries Krishna Gopal, Ram Lal and Indresh Kumar.

Two days back, a delegation consisiting of Muslim intellectuals called on the RSS chief to discuss ways to strengthen communal harmony.

It included former Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, former Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant-General Zameer Uddin Shah (retd.), Rashtriya Lok Dal national vice-president Shahid Siddiqui and businessman Saeed Shervani.

In a report by The Hindu, the RSS chief asked the delegation about their views on cow slaughter, 'jihad' and words such as 'kafir' used for non-Muslims. The delegation, on the other hand, expressed concerns on the fear existing among the Muslim community.

Without divulging details, Siddiqui who attended the meeting called the discussion a positive one.

Post Thursday's meeting, RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambedkar said "RSS Sarsanghachalak meets people from all walks of life. It is part of the continuous general 'Samvad' process".

Earlier, too, the RSS chief has held dialogue with the people from the Muslim community and reached out to leaders of the community, urging them to oppose extremism.

Previously, on the Gyanvapi issue, RSS chief had suggested that ideally Hindus and Muslims must decided on the issue of faith amicably. However, if that is not possible then court's decision should be accepted. He added that Hindus, too, should not see "Shivling in every mosque".

The outreach from both the sides could be seen in the context of ongoing Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex issue, on which the Court is yet to pronounce its decision.

(with inputs from PTI)