Demolition of Hindu mutts, temples decried

Protesting the demolition of several religious institutions like Hindu mutts and temples, the Sanskruti Suraksha Mancha held a peaceful dharna in front of the ADM Office here on Friday.

The agitators alleged that temples, mutts and other such religious institutions bring about reforms in the society. Demolition of these institutions not only hurt sentiments of thousands of saints and seers but also affects the spiritual mindset of the general people.

The Mancha demanded that the State Government immediately provide protection to mutts and temples and saints and seers and identify and take over unauthorised lands possessed by non-Hindu institutions. It also demanded that civil cases be registered against those political leaders, administrative officers, industrialists and entrepreneurs who were recently charged with illegal possession of lands and the State Government take over those lands.

“We also demand that all the nonperforming assets of several mutts and temples illegally possessed by some crooks be released and given back to the religious institutions; strong action be taken against people and organisations hatching conspiracy against the Hindu culture and an end to the frequent broadcasting against saints, seers and other spiritual leaders in media without any proof,” said Mancha president Pramod Dash.

Among others, Mancha convenor Arun Panda and Swami Jiban Muktananda from Puri took active part in the dharna.