Kanchi Seer Questions Dalai Lama's Offers of Mediation in Ayodhya Talks

February 2, 2004

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/469147.cms

On February 2, 2004 The Times of India reported, "Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati on Sunday questioned the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s propriety in initiating a dialogue on the Ayodhya issue. 'The Dalai Lama does not believe in Lord Rama. Nor does he belong to this land. How can he promote a dialogue between the two groups,' he asked. 'Talks are in progress and soon a temple will be constructed with the blessings of Lord Rama,' he said. 'We have been negotiating on this issue. Our efforts would continue till the deadlock is resolved.' This is the first time that the Kanchi seer has reacted to the Dalai Lama’s appeal for a solution to the Ayodhya issue in December last. The Lama had expressed his willingness to initiate a dialogue between the two groups with an appeal that the issue could be resolved through mutual trust, faith and respect. Saraswati was in the city to participate in a religious programme. Speaking to The Times of India , he denied rumours that the Muslims do not trust his mediation. 'It’s a misconception that being a Hindu religious leader I would favour Hindus,' he asserted."