Vanikar Bhuvan, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's office in Ahmedabad, is far more impressive than the offices of the state Bharatiya Janata Party or the Indian National Congress. While its 96-year-old president, K K Shastri, visits the office for a couple of hours every day, Kaushik Mehta, the joint secretary, is the one who calls the shots.

In an interview with Senior Editor Sheela Bhatt, Mehta regretted the violence against Muslims in the state, but raised questions about Hindu rights. Excerpts:

The reaction to Godhra is horrifying. Why was there so much violence in Gujarat? Is this Hinduism?

I have a request. People in public life should not look at the violence in Gujarat from a narrow point of view. Whether it's an action or reaction or whether the VHP was involved or not, or whether this is in reaction to jihadi actions. Keep that aside. Be neutral first.

Vishwa Devanandaji Maharaj has already said: "Such a fire can spread all over India." Why are the Hindus terribly angry? That's the most important thing to decide. Let us calm down first and then judge to what extent secularism has succeeded. Our first priority should be peace.

Gujarat is one of the biggest industrial pockets in Hindustan. I believe we should be as strict as possible to see that peace is restored.

This is a contradictory wish. When you give a call for a movement, violence of this kind is imperative from a section which is intolerant.

No, this is not the way. The VHP is fighting for a Ram temple since the last 16 years, but we haven't gone to Ayodhya with AK-47s, we go there with prayer beads in our hands.

Not only the VHP, but the whole of Hindu society believes in non-violence. We are the people who even take care of the birds in the sky. We built chabutaras [platforms] for the comfort of birds. Non-violence is interwoven in our society.

What was it that one witnessed on February 28 in Gujarat?

I told you, that's momentary anger. Do you think Hindustan is going to take this road? [It's] just not possible.

Do you have any regret about the bloodshed?

Why me? Read the face of any Hindu in Ahmedabad and you will be able to read, "This is improper. Violence is not justified." Don't believe that an emotion like anger is permanent. Do you think all of them did this [bloodshed] with delight? It was momentary fury.

Every Hindu feels that aa khotun thayun [what happened was wrong]. It's a Hindu trait to be regretful if something wrong is practised. I am 100 per cent sure when I say that the Hindus of Gujarat regret the violence.

Who is responsible for the violence against Muslims if the VHP is not involved?

I told you this is the outburst of Hindu society. Even to us it's a matter of surprise that the Hindus can become so cruel. We are wondering whether they [angry Hindus] will kill us if we take just a step backward in our movement for a Ram temple!

Will the BJP benefit from the riots?

One thing is established now. Whether it's the BJP or the Congress or the rationalists -- nobody in Gujarat will be able to move ahead by ignoring Hindu sentiments. On February 28, the Congress had to announce that they have not opposed the bandh announced by the VHP.

How will history look at the riots of 2002?

With astonishment!

Was the VHP underestimated in India till these riots happened?

Our strength is growing tremendously. One can't help but take note of it. We have 6,000 committees in the villages of Gujarat. The proof of our biggest appeal is that we could collect Rs 1.25 contribution from individuals in 12,000 villages. We raised Rs 9 crore! We have spent Rs 2 crore on the construction of pillars for the temple. We have Rs 7 crore remaining.

A decade back, 12,000 Ramshilas were transported to Ayodhya. At that time we had enough money not to demolish the Babri structure, but to construct a Ram temple. We are keen to fulfil the dream of the people.

Do you ever think about what a Gujarati-speaking Muslim must feel today?

I can't think of his position. I also can't think of the family whose boy went to Ayodhya with the blessings of his parents, but could not return because he was burnt alive in Godhra.

How can peace be established in Gujarat?

Hindu society is not treated fairly, that is the feeling of Hindus. Politicians must address it and find the solution. Muslims can't even give the Hindus one temple? This is a big grouse. We want the Muslims of India to support the movement to build a Ram temple. Lord Ram is a symbol of national unity.

There are thousands of Ram temples, but there is only one birthplace of Lord Ram. That land in Ayodhya is where our faith lies. Why can't Muslims forsake their stubborn attitude for the birthplace of our god?

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