Puri: Hundreds of Naga sadhus – known for their violent temper — have boarded the trains to come to Puri to side with the monks of the mutts amidst a district administration led demolition drive of structures near Jagannath temple here. The mutts are vehemently opposing eviction and demolition.
According to a source, the numbers of visiting Naga sadhus could be as high as 2,000. Historically given the task of defending Hinduism’s religious sites such as mutts and temples, they will join force with the protesting saints and seers of the mutts along with many other religious body representatives after arriving here.
Apart from the Nagas, many other religious and civil organisations Wednesday came out in support of the mutts and opposed the demolition drive. Many a visiting monks from outside the state could be seen standing atop Bada Akhada Mutt in a bid to defend the mutt. Same was the scene in front of Jagannath temple, where monks were seen sloganeering against the state government comparing it to ‘Mughal rule’ and ‘Kalapahada’s attack’.
Another source informed that a delegation consisting of the seers of the mutts and other religious bodies is likely to meet Puri Shankaracharya who recently came down heavily on the state government over the demolition drive.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also extended support to the religious groups over the issue. In a statement issued Wednesday, deputy chief of VHP Odisha region Pramod Acharya condemned the government action.
Apart from VHP, BJP also took on the government over the issue. A 15-member delegation led by Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi Wednesday met Puri collector Balwant Singh and wanted explanations on the government’s agenda. They also requested the collector to stop the demolition drive near the Meghanada Pacheri (boundary wall). The meeting, however, failed to yield any result as the administration remained consistent on its position of going ahead with the demolition drive.
Singh made it clear that the administration will continue razing of the commercial set-ups of the mutts except their peeth and manuscripts citing safety and security concerns to the Jagannath Temple. The BJP team, meanwhile, has decided to reach out to the Chief Minister over the issue.
Apart from Bada Akhada Mutt, demolition issue continues at 900-year-old Emar Mutt where the seer has refused to vacate the place.
Incessant rains in the town Wednesday, meanwhile, brought a breather for the warring parties as the district administration decided not to take up the demolition work.
