Press Statement

Thrissur, April 25, 2004

 

1.      It is heart-rending to know that 50 goats and more than 100 chicken have been butchered in the name of devotion in Atthippotta Mangotu Bhagavati Temple in Alathur Taluk, Palakkad District, despite our having intimated the District Authorities about the impending crime and desecration.

2.     Appallingly, a large Police was present there to shield and permit the act, abolished by Kerala’s law.

3.     Once a criminal enactment comes into force, it is for the Home Department and Police to ensure adherence.  Here is an instance where in spite of the Police having been present, they did not raise their little finger to stop the act but they abetted and aided it freely.

4.     Police authorities seem to have said that they did not intend to intercept the crime, unless there was a law and order situation.  We wonder whether this is what criminal procedure code envisages.

5.     Does this mean that for the Police Authorities to enforce law relating to devotion and Temples, they would always want us Sanyasins on the scene with our Dharmic Protest?  Does it not indicate a basic incongruity in our criminal sense and procedures?

6.     When a burglary, rape or similar instance is reported, should and will not the law persons rush there and stop it at whatever level the crime has been perpetrated?  Or will there be a pacifying time required to move and act?

7.     The great, glorious Hindu Dharma commences with the precept ahimsa (non-hurtingness).  It is such a Dharma that is put into scorn, even after we in writing urged the District Authorities to take expeditious action against the religious anarchy and devotional crime.

8.     Violation of law, no matter where and in what manner it appears, like Carsinoma infection (Cancer) in the foot, stomach, arm, breast, mouth or head, if allowed on any account will tend to make the society violent and criminally indulgent and transgressive.

9.     When the slaughter abolition was enacted and enforced, there was nothing for Dharmic votaries to do, as it was the duty of Police to implement and enforce it watchfully and sternly.

10.   Here now is a paradox that even when the enactment is in force, the Police refuses to move and take action.  Is it not a miserable situation, where the Hindu religion is taken for a ride to stamp the society as barbarous, uncivilized, irrational and unscientific?

11.   It poses a grave doubt:  Are not (i) the District Administration in particular and (ii) the State Chiefs in general a friend and custodian of the Hindu Society?   The Authorities should make it clear.

 

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
All-India President – Hind Navotthana Pratishthan