NEW DELHI, April 9: Indian Hindu and Muslim leaders are considering a proposal to build a Hindu temple close to the ruins of a razed mosque in northern India and give Muslims a nearby tract of land to try to settle India's most explosive religious row, a source close to the talks said.

Under the formula, the mosque site in Ayodhya would be left untouched pending a court decision on its ownership while a new temple would be constructed on 67 surrounding acres of land.

"In return, Muslims will get land outside this area for a huge Jama Masjid and an Islamic university," the source said. "As far as the disputed land where the mosque stood, all sides will give a commitment in writing to the court that they will abide by its verdict."

On Thursday, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance, unveiling its manifesto for national elections due to be held this month, pledged to press for a peaceful resolution of the dispute. The source said they were ready to present the solution in writing to the Supreme Court in mid-March but the BJP decided not to in order to avoid controversy ahead of the phased elections to be held from April 20.

The BJP spearheaded a campaign in the late 1980s to build a temple on the site of the 16th-century Babri mosque Hindus believe was constructed atop the birthplace of their god-king Ram.

The drive culminated in the mosque's destruction by a frenzied Hindu mob in 1992, sparking nation wide riots in which at least 2,000, mainly Muslims, died. But in the past few years the BJP has put its Hindu revivalist platform on hold to keep its secular allies happy and reach out to India's political mainstream. It has focused on economic and development issues instead.

"After formation of our government, this issue will be taken up on priority," BJP spokesman Naqvi told AFP. "There is already agreement on some formulas." However, the All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board, a key Muslim body, said it was not involved in the talks. "No one is talking with the law board," board member Rahim Faruqi said. "(But) our doors are always open." -AFP