National Commission for Minorities chief Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said on Sunday that a Ram temple must be built in Ayodhya so that Muslims can live peacefully.

“The place has a sentimental value for 100 crore Hindus,” Rizvi said. “Therefore, Hindus must be allowed to build a Ram temple there so that Muslims can live peacefully, respectfully and without any fear while contributing to the development of the nation,” he added.

Rizvi stressed that the dispute should be resolved soon to help strengthen ties between the communities.

Some Muslim organisations had sought the panel's intervention in the Ayodhya title suit case, Rizvi said.

At a meeting on November 14, the commission will decide whether to approach the Supreme Court for an early hearing on the matter or not, he added.

“The National Minority Welfare Organisation and some other outfits have sent us reports that the Muslim community in the country is living in fear,” Rizvi said. “They have urged the commission to take an initiative to improve the current atmosphere,” he said.

“During the November 14 meeting, we will hold discussions on the matter. But, as it is sub judice, we can only urge the apex court for an early hearing,” he said.