Ranchi (The Hawk): Nationwide protests against the government's decision to designate Parasnath Hill in the Jharkhand district of Giridih as a tourist destination are being held by members of the Jain community.
Several Jain monks have called on the government to reverse its decision, and protests have been held in a dozen cities over the course of the past week.
Sammed Shikhar, also known as Parasnath Hill, is the most important Jains' pilgrimage site worldwide. It is cherished by Jain because it is the "Nirvana" (salvation) land of 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras.
The Jain organisation claims that if it is designated as a tourist site, the sanctity of this place of prayer will be disturbed. There will be a rise in unethical behaviours such as meat intake and alcohol use, which will upset the feelings of the "non-violent" Jain society.
The highest hill in Jharkhand is called Parasnath, and it is encircled by a forest. At the base of the hill, there are a large number of Jain temples. On August 2, 2019, the Union Forest Ministry recognised a portion of Parasnath as a wildlife sanctuary and eco-sensitive zone following a recommendation by the Jharkhand government.
According to the Jain society, it is "totally inappropriate" to permit ecotourism and other nonreligious activity in the region.
Rallies by members of the Jain community have been held across the nation in protest of the government's notification designating Sammed Shikhar as a tourist destination.
On the request of the Vishwa Jain Sangathan, a silent march was conducted on Tuesday in the city of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh.
On Sunday, a sizable gathering of members of the Digambar and Shwetambar Jain communities took place in Indore. Similar protests also occurred in Dungarpur, Katni, Khandwa, Banswara, Dhar, and Ajmer.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, Mahayogi Shraman Shri 108 Viharsh Sagar Ji Gurudev said, "Shri Sammed Shikharji is the eternal sacred place of Jains, and today the entire society is united for its protection and security."
(Inputs from Agencies)
