Jain Protest: On the very first day of the new year, the Jain community demonstrated at India Gate, knowing what is the matter.

 

The decision of the Jharkhand government to declare Parasnath Hill, also known as Sammed Shikharji, as a tourist destination has sparked protests among the Jain community. Parasnath Hill is the most significant pilgrimage center for Jains all over the world, and according to Jain religious belief, it is the place where 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras and monks attained salvation.

On the very first day of the new year, people of the Jain community staged a protest against the Jharkhand government's decision at India Gate in Delhi. Jain monks have demanded the withdrawal of this decision, and people of the Jain community are protesting all over India. Demonstrations have been held in many parts of the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat, with Jains from Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh holding silent protests at various places.

Demonstrations of the Jain community across the country

While addressing the Lok Sabha, MP Manoj Tiwari stated that the Jharkhand government's decision had a direct impact on the sanctity of Sammed Shikhar. The government has declared this place as an eco-spot and converted it into a picnic spot, which will cause inconvenience to devotees in the future. MP Haji Fazlur Rahman also expressed his concerns and said that the verdict has hurt the sentiments of the Jain community.

Delhi | Members of the Jain community protest at India Gate against the decision of the Jharkhand govt to declare 'sacred' Shri Sammed Shikharji a tourist place pic.twitter.com/6WCKHq3UII

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2023

The matter echoed in the Lok Sabha

The Jain community is opposed to the government's decision to promote eco-tourism at Sammed Shikhar, as they believe it will spoil the sanctity of the place. Jains want this order to be canceled and are demanding that the government respects their religious sentiments. The Jain community has been urging the government to declare Parasnath Hill a protected zone and maintain its sanctity as a pilgrimage center.

In conclusion, the decision of the Jharkhand government to declare Sammed Shikharji a tourist destination has not been received well by the Jain community. Jains view this decision as an infringement on their religious beliefs and a threat to the sanctity of their pilgrimage center. It remains to be seen how the government responds to the demands of the Jain community and whether a solution that respects their religious sentiments can be reached.