Muslims appeal for peace -- post Ayodhya verdict

Addressing mediapersons here, activists of the Federation of Minorities NGOs appealed to Muslims not to get emotionally swayed by the court ruling and maintain calm at all costs.

"The judgement may favour one community or disfavour another. In such a case, both communities have the option to appeal. The road does not end here," said Maulana Zaheer Abaas Rizvi, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board.

Another speaker said neither side should make a public show that offends the other community.

"My request to both communities is simple: please do not celebrate if the judgement is in your favour or protest if it goes against you," said Maulana Mehmood Daryabadi, general secretary of All India Ulema Council.

Other speakers said that individuals who try to create a rift between the two communities must be boycotted.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi, director of Markaz ul Maroof, and Iqbal Memon, vice-president of All India Memon Federation.

Mumbai was engulfed in the worst ever communal riots in its history following the demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya. The riots were followed by the March 1993 serial bombings.