Terming the UP government proposal of acquiring three temples and set up a shrine board to protect Govardhan as "draconian", priests from across the country gathered here in Govardhan dham has warned the government of intensifying its agitation against the decision. Thousands of priests gathered here yesterday have expressed their solidarity on the issue and threatened to close temples of all the 12 pilgrim centres, if the government doesn't reverse its decision. "If the draconian order of acquisition of Goverdhan based three temples is not withdrawn, it would convert into anational issue," said Mahesh Pathak, president, All India Tirth Purohit Mahasabha (AITPM) after addressing a gathering of priests of different temples. Though against the acquisition of the three temples, the AITPM president said that they don't want to lock horns with Yogi government and would rather cooperate for the formation of "shrine board", providedit is aimed to enhance pilgrim facilities. "The temples of Goverdhan are ancestral property of priests which ensure their livelihood," he added. Alleging the BJP government of wearing "Hindu masks", Mahant Sitaram Das of Nirmohi Akhada, Ayodhya said that it is unfortunate that they end up back biting Hindus only. "If the governmentreally wantsto acquirethese three temples of Goverdhan, it should present an example by acquiring Gorakh Nath Peeth first," the Mahant said. Also, in the meeting, the priests of Nandgaon, lead by priest Bal Krisna Goswami, declared that they would not go to Barsana on Feb 24 -- the date slated for'Lathamaar Holi' (Holi with batons) -- and boycott the celebration as a mark of protest. In an order issued on January 8, the UP government had said that acting on orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the state religious works department was setting up a shrine board for the protection of Govardhan. The order said preparations were underway to acquire and manage Sri Girija Mukharvind Temple, Daan-ghaati Temple and Mukut Mukharvind Temple, located at Govardhen.
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