Jain seer reminds Cong. govt. of unfulfilled demands, threatens Sallekhana Vrata

Jain monk Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj

Reiterating his earlier announcement about taking up Sallekhana Vrata (a Jain religious vow of voluntary fasting unto death) if the State government fails to address the major demands of the Jain community, Jain monk Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj has said that from December 4 he will lead a protest march from Chikkodi to Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi when the State Legislature will be in Session for the winter.

Speaking to presspersons at Varur near Hubballi on Friday, he said that the community has repeatedly submitted representations to the State government and Ministers seeking action on its demands but, it has not received any satisfactory written response.

He urged the State government to enact legislation on the lines of the law in Maharashtra to ensure the safety of Jain monks and ascetics. He also called for measures to promote the development of Jain pilgrimage centres and protect the interests of the community.

A decision on the proposed agitation will be taken at a convention to be held at the ashram of Jain seer Jin Sena Bhattaraka Swami at Teradal in Bagalkot district on November 19. Subsequently, appeals will be made to the Jain community in Kagwad, Athani and Belagavi as part of efforts to mobilise support, he said.

Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj said that the community has so far pursued its demands through peaceful representations and dialogue. However, if the State government fails to respond in writing, it will be compelled to launch an agitation through non-violent means, he said and added that he will leave Hubballi for Teradal on Saturday to participate in preparations for the convention.