Jain community demands protection of pilgrim places

Surat: A large number of people from the Jain community joined a rally organized in Athwalines main road on Tuesday raising demand to ensure security and sanctity of Jain pilgrimage places at Sammed Shikharji in Jharkhand and Shatrunjay in Palitana of Bhavnagar.
Thousands of followers from different Jain sects participated in the rally to protest the Jharkhand government’s move to declare Sammed Shikharji a tourist site. Earlier protest rallies were held in other parts of the state, country and world in the issue.
“The Jharkhand government declared Sammed Shikharji as a tourism spot and did not follow the standard procedure of announcement. This came to light after locals in Jharkhand protested against indecent behaviour by some hooligans at the religious places,” said Hitesh Jain, convener of the rally.
“The Jain community wanted to make a strong representation since the issue is continuing for many days now. We hope in Palitana and Sammed Shikharji government will take some actions,” said Nirav Shah, former city deputy mayor.
“In Palitana, the hooligans damaged a religious structure. Harassment of Jain monks and worshipers is routine. There is serious encroachment that will damage the religious structures,” said Ajit Mehta, a participant in the rally.