Mathura authorities bars new traditions over Krishna Janmabhoomi 'karseva' call

Ahead of a planned 'shankhnaad' (blowing of conch shells) and 'karseva' for construction of a temple at the Krishna Janmabhoomi site, the Mathura district administration has banned all new religious traditions and illegal activities in Govardhan.

The administration's action follows directions from the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court concerning the disputed site, police officials said on Sunday.

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Rajiv Kumar Singh, in a video message, said starting any new tradition in the district is banned under the directions of the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court.

He said the organisers announced 'karseva' for the construction of a temple at the Krishna Janmabhoomi site and appealed to prominent people and saints to participate in the 'shankhnaad' programme, which they did without obtaining police permission.

"We are stopping everyone heading towards the area and sending them back to their respective police station areas," Singh said. According to police, "red card" notices have been served on organisations and individuals who were contacted and invited to participate in or assist the proposed programme, warning them to stay away from it.

Police have issued notices to 12 saints and religious figures, including Sadhvi Ritambhara, Devkinandan Thakur, Mahant Phooldol Biharidas, Shricharandas, Saurabh Gaur, Sitaram Das, Abhishek Brahmachari, Mohini Bihari Sharan and Mahamandaleshwar Krishnanand, officials said.

Singh said all concerned organisations and individuals had been informed about the court orders and directions and had assured the authorities they would comply with them. "At present, peace and order and dialogue with all sides are completely intact," he said.

Police said they made elaborate security arrangements in the area.

Singh also clarified that no one had been detained so far. He said those attempting to reach the area out of ignorance or lack of information were informed of the situation and sent back respectfully.

Swami Dr Sachchidanand, president of the Shri Chitragupt Peeth located at Julhaindi village near Radhakund in the Govardhan area, announced on July 4 that 'karseva' would be undertaken at the Krishna Janmasthan on August 9. He appealed to saints and followers of the Sanatan tradition to participate in the programme in large numbers.

The Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute in Mathura centres on the Hindu side's claim that the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple was built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna and that a portion of the site is occupied by the Shahi Idgah mosque, which they allege was constructed after a temple's demolition.