The Supreme Court verdict on Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid is drawing near. This paper carried a report of a groundbreaking meeting between Hindu and Muslim city leaders at a suburban hotel on Monday night. The meet, dubbed as informal, was to break barriers, address stereotypes that beset both communities and mainly push for peace in the run-up to and the aftermath of the verdict.

It was a groundbreaker because it was the first time that representatives of Muslim organisations met the Vishwa Hindu Parishad members. It was heartening to see both sides on the same page, which is to accept the verdict with equanimity. They also spoke about the wisdom in desisting from victory rallies or taunting and needling so-called 'losers', whichever way the verdict turns out.