The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for 'misleading' people by saying that there was proof of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

In a statement in Hyderabad, AIMPLB secretary M A Rahim Quraishi said, "The board is constrained to remark that a person no less than the prime minister is misleading the people.

"It is deplorable that the Sangh Parivar in general and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in particular have circulated lies and launched a campaign to instigate the majority community..." he said, referring to the attempts being made by them to take over the 'undisputed' land in Ayodhya acquired by the government.

"It is wrong to say that this portion of the land is undisputed, as a [Muslim] graveyard formed part of it. That apart, 43-acres of land was acquired by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Ram Katha Park and let out to the VHP-controlled Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas on the pretext of paucity of funds," Quraishi said.

"The rent-holder cannot claim ownership. Moreover, the Ayodhya Land Acquisition Law, under which the land was acquired, was challenged in the Supreme Court. The reason for acquisition was to facilitate construction of mosque, temple, amenities to pilgrims, library and museums. The apex court order prohibits transfer of any portion of land to anyone," he said.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 43 Sub: What is the real issue? Before we go our way out and fight for a case, why can’t we analyse for a moment and think whether it is really worth ... Posted by Mani Iyer Sub: Muslim Law Board Why is All India Muslim Personal Law Board interested in this issue ? Why does not it concentrates on better education for Muslims ? If ... Posted by shintu Sub: Humble request why can't people just grow out of religious differences.So where are there senses when these fanatics talk about a temple or a masjid,can't they see ... Posted by suruchi saini Sub: No more temples,mosques,churches No more temples,mosques,churches are needed for india as well as for indains..What we need is good education,health and basic necessity's for all hindus,muslims and christians.Let ... Posted by Krishna Sub: Did Ram Exists??? Why 2 fight for mandir & masjid, when Hindu's unable to prove from the last 80 years that even a person like "Ram existed" forget ... Posted by Allywn D\'souza