Other States - Orissa   

Meeting fails to end impasse over resumption of rituals

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa government failed to break the impasse over the halt in worshipping at Bhagabati Peetha at Banapur which had taken an ugly turn after administration prevented animal sacrifice.

State Rural Development and Law Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh along with top official held a meeting on the issue at Special Circuit House here, but could not ‘pacify' agitating servitors and temple functionaries here on Wednesday. Emerging from the three-hour-long meeting, Mr. Arukh said the matter could be inquired by an officer of the rank of Revenue Divisional Commissioner.

“For the past seven days the temple has been locked up and devotees are not able to perform pujas. We have requested servitors and priests to resume the daily rituals,” he said

“We could order an inquiry by an officer of the rank of RDC into allegation that some officials overstepped temple rules while trying to enforce ban on animal sacrifice at temple as per directive of Orissa High Court,” the Law Minister said, adding that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister.

Seemingly livid, Prakash Bhopa, who led the delegation of servitors, at the meeting said, “We have given no such commitment to resume daily rituals. The Minister did not give any assurance of action against officials, who had hurt religious sentiments of people by entering temple without taking off their shoes,” Mr Bhopa said.

The issue of animal sacrifice at places of worships reached a flashpoint when Orissa government ordered the district administration to prevent animal slaughtering at the temple during dushera. But servitors did not relent and announced to go ahead as per the tradition.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Geoscientists allay fears over impact of bauxite mining
Meeting fails to end impasse over resumption of rituals
Slum dwellers stage demo against eviction drive
Naveen government accused of favouritism
CPI demands scrapping of POSCO project
17 arrested in excise raids
Minor girl raped
Plan panel team in Rayagada to visit KBK region
Warm welcome
Odissi exponent honoured
Children's book expo from Oct. 22

Copyright © 2010, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu