In her first comment on Ayodhya title suit verdict, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has said her party would welcome efforts for a negotiated settlement to the dispute and made it clear that Allahabad High Court verdict does not condone the demolition of Babri mosque.

In the latest issue of ‘Congress Sandesh’, Gandhi said the party respects the judicial process with regard to the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit.

“However, we must now await the final decision of the Supreme Court as and when the appeal is filed,” she said, echoing the views of the Congress Working Committee which had met earlier this month.

In her ‘letter to Congresspersons’, she said the Congress welcomes efforts by the parties concerned to find an amicable and peaceful settlement.

The party chief said that the verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992 which was a “shameful and criminal act for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice”.

She also emphasised that any distortion of the verdict by communal forces was detrimental to the larger national interest and would cause harm to the nation’s mood and desire for peace and harmony.

Gandhi’s remarks come in the backdrop of senior BJP leader L K Advani saying the court verdict vindicated his Rathyatra and that it was a case of faith upheld by law.

The Congress chief said that it goes to the credit of the people of the country that the judgement was received in a mature and peaceful manner and no untoward acts were reported anywhere.

On the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, she hoped that continued dialogue and the concrete policy initiatives which have been announced by the government on September four would end the ongoing cycle of violence.

“Jammu and Kashmir has a special place in our polity. It is an integral part of India and peace in this region is of paramount importance. While violence is not a solution and must be contained, the anger manifesting itself amongst Kashmiri youth in particular must also be addressed,” she said.