Dalai Lama Encourages Hindu-Muslim Dialogue Over Ayodhya Dispute

January 14, 2004

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/423310.cms

On January 14, 2004 The Times of India reported, "Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has accused politicians of gaining mileage out of the Ayodhya dispute and urged leaders to resolve it thorough dialogue. He said India was known for communal peace and harmony and the Ayodhya dispute, which caused Hindu-Muslim riots in the country, must be settled through dialogue...The Dalai Lama had on January 8 called for an amicable solution to the row between Hindus and Muslims over the disputed site of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya. Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani was among the leaders who welcomed the spiritual leader's call. Lauding India for its age-old culture of religious harmony and non-violence, the Dalai Lama observed that the Ayodhya dispute had dented the country's image. But India was still the best place for those who believed in non-violence and communal harmony, said the leader of the exiled Tibetan community."