Jains are up in arms in Delhi, Mumbai over temple row: report
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New Delhi: A delegation of protesting Jain community on Sunday handed a letter to the President in New Delhi questioning Jharkhand government’s decision to declare Shri Sammed Shikharji a tourist spot.
Sammed Shikharji, sitting on the Parasnath Hills in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, is the biggest pilgrimage of the Jain community, where Hemant Soren government reportedly intends to promote religious tourism.
The protestors believe the decision would imperil the Jain community’s historical sacred sites.
The community poured in large numbers at the Pragati Maidan taking out a massive protest towards the Presidential palace.
The protesters also sought action against vandalism of Palitana temple in Gujarat.
The union environment ministry last week asked the Jharkhand government in writing to consider on priority the grievances of the Jain community, according to news agency PTI.
At least 50,000 members of the community protested in Mumbai seeking ban on illegal mining and sale of illicit liquor in what they consider as the holy city of Palitana in Gujarat.
"We are protesting against the vandalisation of the temple in Palitana & Jharkhand govt's decision. The Gujarat govt has taken action but we want strict action against them (who vandalised the temple). Today more than 5 lakh people are on the streets," Maharashtra Minister MP Lodha was qutoed as saying by the news agency ANI.