"Support resolution of Ayodhya dispute through talks but object to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar being part of mediation panel," says Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari

Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Friday said he supported a resolution on the Ayodhya dispute through mediation but objected to Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar being in the Ayodhya mediation panel.

He said that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar cannot be objective about the issue as he has already communicated his bias on the matter.

"The issue can be resolved only in two ways either through talks or via court. I have supported the resolution of the issue through talks. But I object to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar being part of the panel as he has been biased towards one group and had even threatened Muslims that the situation will be like Syria.

The talks should happen with those whom both parties agree. Also if they say the matter is of faith then why did they approach the court. Muslims are always agreeable to the order of the court. Muslims are still ready for talks but we object to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar being in the panel and feel that no solution will come if he is in the panel.

WATCH: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Responds To Asaduddin Owaisi's 'not Neutral' Remark On His Appointment To Ayodhya Mediation Panel

Following the Supreme Court's order of mediation in the Ayodhya land dispute case three members who were appointed in the panel issued their statements: 

Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who had also attempted mediation in the Ayodhya dispute case 2017-18, took to Twitter to say that 'we must all move together to end the long-standing conflicts happily and maintaining harmony in society.

Responding to his appointment, senior advocate and mediator Sriram Panchu stated that while this is a very serious responsibility, he will try his best to do the task. "It is a very serious responsibility given to me by the honourable Supreme Court. I will do my best," he said.

Former Supreme Court judge Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla, who has been appointed as chairman of the mediation panel, said that he will take every effort to resolve the Ayodhya issue amicably.

"I understand that Supreme Court has appointed mediation committee headed by me. I am yet to receive the order copy. As of now, I can only say that if the committee has been constituted we will take every effort to resolve the issue amicably."

READ | AIMPLB Welcomes Supreme Court Verdict Of Mediation On Ayodhya Dispute, Says, "Most Befitting That The Matter Is Resolved Through Dialogue"