Thursday, June 2 2005 21:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chakwal (Punjab, Pakistan): Symbolic of the winds of change sweeping the sub-continent, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President L K Advani, widely perceived in Pakistan as the man behind the Babri mosque demolition, today (June 2, 2005) launched the restoration work of the ancient Shaivite shrine of Katasraj, about 30 km from Chakwal.

Significantly, the Opposition leader launched the project in the presence of Shujaat Hussain, President of the ruling PML-Q (Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam), an avataar of the Muslim League considered responsible for the subcontinent's partition.

'We travel hand-in-hand on the road to peace. We stand together on the way to peace' said banners put up by the Chakwal district Government on way to second most sacred shrine of the Hindus in pre-partition Punjab, after Jwalamukhi in the present Himachal Pradesh.

"I feel happy. This initiative will add a new chapter and strengthen the ongoing peace process," an elated Advani told reporters here after unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

Accompanied by his wife Kamala and daughter Pratibha, the BJP chief toured the temple ruins and offered prayers at the ancient Shiva Linga in the presence of Pakistani Hindu priest Pandit Kanshi Ram amidst chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya' and burning of incense sticks.

Describing the event as "landmark and historic", Hussain said the stone marking the inauguration was in fact " a milestone for peace."

"It has a special significance for me and my Country. It will further strengthen the political process," he said.

Former Information Minister and Senator Syed Hussain termed the event as significant and said, "It would promote tolerance and co-existence in South Asia."

It was for the first time since 1947 that an Indian political personality has been invited in a project aimed at the restoration of Hindu temple in Pakistan.

Conceding that the Ayodhya demolition was at the back of the minds of the people of Pakistan and it was not broached with Advani out of courtesy, Hussain said, "The important thing now is to move forward."

Advani also informed that following his request to External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh two experts from the Archaeological Survey of India would be visiting Katasraj soon to assist their Pakistani counterparts in the restoration.

Pakistani officials said they expected to spend about Rs two crore to turn the shrine into a living temple to enable devotees to come and worship.

Advani, who was accompanied by India's High Commissioner to Pakistan Shiv Shankar Menon, expressed hope that it would be possible for pilgrims from India to visit Katasraj in the near future.

Later at a reception hosted for him in a nearby village, Advani was presented with a large photograph of the cluster of Katasraj temple by Raja Mohammad Ali of village Gah in Chakwal district, who was a classmate of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the primary school.

"Fiza jaroor badli hain (the atmosphere has indeed changed)," said an apparently moved Advani.