The Akhilesh Yadav Government has put a ban on the proposed 84-kosi-parikarma of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).The yatra is scheduled to cross six districts in Eastern UP including Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya (Faizabad) reportedly to garner support for the construction of the Ram temple.
“‘We will not allow a new tradition to be adopted when the 84-kosi-parikarma has already been held from April 25 to May 20,” said Principal Secretary (Home) RM Srivastava.
Talking to reporters Srivastava said Section 144 of the CrPC (Prohibitory Orders) has already been promulgated in all six districts of Faizabad, Barabanki, Ambedkar Nagar, Gonda, Basti and Bahraich to prevent any activity of the VHP. The proposed VHP padyatra was slated from August 25 to September 13. The sants in Ayodhya have opposed the yatra saying that it is just a political move and has no religious sanctity.
Chief priest of Ram Janmabhumi temple Acharya Satyendra Das said: ‘’According to Hindu rituals, the 84-kosi-parikrama is held from Chaitra Purnima to Baisakh Navami and has already been performed by the sadhus. The VHP is trying to start a new tradition.’’
Addressing reporters along with Srivastava, Director-General of Police Devraj Nagar said that they had received VHP chief Ashok Singhal’s letter and the UP Government had decided to ban the yatra.
“We see no reason for the VHP to hold the padyatra when the 84-kosi-parkirama has already been held in April-May. It seems that political motives are behind the programme as it is being held just before the lok Sabha elections,’’ he said.
Announcing that the Government would take strict action against anyone violating the law, he said adequate security arrangements had been made in all the six districts and the authorities have been directed to maintain law and order at any cost.
However, Srivastava denied that there was any directive from the Union Home Ministry on the issue. Meanwhile convener of the yatra and VHP leader Ram Vilas Vedanti has announced that the VHP will take out the yatra at any cost. ``The Government move clearly shows its inclination towards the minority by preventing a major religious tradition of the majority community,’’ he told reporters.
VHP leaders led by Ashok Singhal had met Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday last and urged them to provide adequate security for the yatra slated to begin on August 25.