One look at Syed Shahabuddin -- convener of the Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee -- and you know his mind is crackling with consternation. The body language emits a certain defiance, and an eagerness to snuff out the 'injustice perpetrated' on his community.

A former diplomat-turned-politician, Shahabuddin is taut with tension with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's declaration that it will go ahead with the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

He has already refused to comment on the latest developments, telling a small group of television reporters that he will speak once the VHP commences its proposed activities in the temple town "which will rock the nation as never before."

The television crew and its reporters leave, dejected.

"Please don't hang around, I have nothing to say, I will comment after they set the tinder-box alight," he tells Tara Shankar Sahay. He relents after much persuasion and speaks about his perception of the Muslim mood.

With the VHP's declaration of going ahead with the construction of the temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, what is the BMMCC's immediate strategy?

I am going to tell Prime Minister Vajpayee to prepare himself for the consequences after unleashing his statement on Ayodhya. Iss desh mein koi niyam-kanoon hai ya nahin? (Is there a rule of law in this country or not?). Are 20 crore Muslims in this country to be taken for granted and their rights trampled upon in so callous a fashion? The central government had better prepare itself for the madness. Let the VHP declare a date for the construction and you will see that all hell will break loose.

How did the question arise of solving the dispute between the two communities by mutual consultation?

As far as the BMMCC is concerned, I have clarified that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board alone is the competent body to enter into any negotiations with the government or the VHP on the Babri Masjid question. Its committee on the Masjid includes senior members of the BMMCC and the All India Babri Movement Action Committee. Mohammed Hashim Ansari residing in Ayodhya has been associated with the litigation on the unlawful occupation in December 1949 -- the consolidated title suit, is now under hearing by the special bench of the Allahabad high court. That's why the BMMCC was utterly surprised by the VHP's announcement that it would negotiate on the Babri Masjid question with Mohammed Hashim Ansari.

I emphasise with all the resources at my command that only the Muslim Personal Law Board is authorised on behalf of our community to negotiate on the Babri Masjid issue. Everyone else is irrelevant.

Why in the first place was Mohammed Hashim Ansari allowed to negotiate regarding the Babri Masjid issue?

You must clearly understand that the VHP is trying to mislead the country by securing the services of some non-entities from the Muslim community to do its bidding. It is plain fraud. Don't VHP leaders know that non-entities from the Muslim community signing on the dotted line regarding the Babri Masjid have no legal or moral validity? You cannot resort to a machination of such magnitude.

The Babri Masjid question is a national issue and it cannot be treated as a local issue to be sorted out by some non-entities. The BMMCC has warned the VHP that such a dishonestly tactical propaganda would be self-defeating and create insurmountable hurdles in the path of reconciliation.

Given the VHP leaders's tone and tenor on the Ayodhya issue now, are you hopeful that they will heed your warning?

They better do it. Otherwise, the unthinkable and inevitable will take its course.

From your statement, it appears that the VHP has deliberately bypassed Muslims who really matter in any negotiation for a solution to the Ayodhya dispute?

Of course, that is precisely so. Neither the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, nor BMMCC nor BMMAC have been approached by the VHP or the government with any proposal. So you can see their devious gameplan.

What do you make of the warning given by government allies like the Trinamul Congress and the Telegu Desam Party that the status quo on Ayodhya should not be disturbed till the court gives its verdict?

Any truly secular and democratic party or person will at least wait for the court verdict.

Why do you think the prime minister later clarified that he would ensure that the court verdict would prevail?

Firstly, you have to assess why the prime minister attributed national sentiments to the vandalism that was perpetrated in Ayodhya. It did reflect the doings of a civilised nation. The prime minister may think that his statement was to gladden his constituency. But in doing so, he has opened a Pandora's Box. The Muslim community cannot be blamed today for having a sense of insecurity. But as you can see, we will not take things lying down if the VHP proceeds with its damnable gameplan.

What do you think of reports to the effect that the VHP's declaration is merely the Sangh Parivar's muscle-flexing to requisition the Hindu votebank in Uttar Pradesh?

There are definite signs that the VHP and the other constituents of the Sangh Parivar are planning mischief in Ayodhya. That's why I said the country will turn topsy-turvy if the VHP declares a date for constructing the temple.

Are you confident that the apex court will ensure that the status quo prevails in Ayodhya till it gives its verdict?

I have no doubts about the court but it is Prime Minister Vajpayee's government that we are apprehensive of. His statement has sown the seeds of suspicion in the mind of the Muslim community. If the mistrust has to evaporate, the government will have to do something tangible for restoring our trust. Ensuring that the status quo in Ayodhya is maintained is only the first step.

What do you think of the reaction of the Muslim community to the VHP's declaration?

How else do you think Muslims would have reacted, their feelings have been wounded. I can tell you, it is only the tip of the iceberg.

The Rediff Interviews