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Bangalore: Seeking to play a role in resolving the Ayodhya dispute, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on October 21 initiated an attempt to read the mind of the opposing groups and facilitate a direct dialogue between them.

The Commission expressed the view that discussing the issue across the table between warring groups is key to resolving the dispute.

The Commission's Chairman S Tarlochan Singh told reporters in Bangalore that the body decided to form two committees, one headed by the Commission's Vice-Chairman Dr M S Usmani and another by Lt Gen A M Sethna, who is retired Vice Chief of the Army Staff, and a member of the Commission.

While the Usmani panel would interact with various Muslim organisations to know their mind on the issue, the Sethna committee would undertake a similar exercise with Hindu outfits and leaders in a bid to bring them to the table.

"Once both parties agree for a dialogue, we will facilitate a dialogue...God willing we will fix the date", he said after the Commission held its second conference, attended by Chairmen of minority commissions of 12 states, in Bangalore on October 21.

Stressing that a direct dialogue between the two communities is key to solution, he said, "Till date, there is no direct talk between the majority and minority leaders. No body has been able to bring them to the table."

Stating that the Ayodhya issue has almost become a burning issue and is eclipsing all other matters, he said in this scenario, the Commission does not want to keep silent but is keen to rise to the occasion and contribute to resolving the issue.

PTI