Vijayawada: Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati on July 1 said that saints and religious leaders were trying for out of court settlement of the Ayodhya issue through negotiations.

"I have invited Muslim leaders to come over to Kanchi for discussions," the seer told reporters.

The Ayodhya issue should be settled out of court, as the decision of court could hurt sentiments of any one of the communities, he said.

"It is only a local issue, politicians and others have nothing to do with it. It has to be settled between the religious leaders. The government will only provide an opportunity for the same," the Shankaracharya said.

"However, I am hopeful the issue will be solved without any problem and we are trying our level best," he said.

Referring to the conversions from Hindu community, the Shankaracharya said, "Since we do not bother about our neighbours, these things are taking place. When we extend our helping hand to each other, nothing will take place."

PTI