Leaders from several religions have banded together to protect a hill that the Jain community regards as sacred. Jains have been organising nonviolent demonstrations in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand for more than a week.
The uproar is in opposition to a Jharkhand government decision that would transform Sammed Sikharji in Parasnath Parvat (hill), Giridih district, from a “place of pilgrimage” into a “religious tourist destination,” changing the demographic of tourists.
The demonstrators demand that the government of Jharkhand reverse its decision to advertise Parasnath Parvat “as a part of eco-tourism or any sort of tourism.” They believe this will compromise the sacredness of the hill covered in temples.
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Sammed Sikharji, or just Sikharji as it is reverently referred to locally, is one of the most significant Jains pilgrimage sites and stands 1,350 metres tall. 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened beings) are thought to have gained moksha (salvation) in this location. The 23rd Tirthankara, Parasnath, is honoured by having the hill bear his name. Numerous Jain pilgrims from all around the world travel the 27 kilometres to the peak each year.
The Prime Minister has been petitioned by Jains asking him to pressure the State to reverse its decision. In addition, the National Commission for Minorities requested that the hill be given a “holy status” in a letter to the chief secretary of Jharkhand in December 2022, taking into account the input from the Jain community.
The revelation that the Jharkhand government is exploring a proposal to revise a 2019 notification sparked the protest by members of the Jain sect. Parasnath Hill was designated as a destination for religious tourism by the previous BJP government. The request had been submitted to the Center, which had also declared the hill to be an eco-sensitive area.
According to a government tourism department official who spoke to The Hindu, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government chose to “boost religious tourism” at Parasnath Hills in July 2022 as part of its tourist strategy. However, they continued, “As the area has already been notified as a sanctuary and eco-sensitive zone, nothing more can be done in terms of infrastructural development.”
Manoj Kumar, the state secretary for tourism, addressed the media in Ranchi and expressed his understanding of the Jains’ concerns. He stated, “We have heard from a few people in the community who have expressed some concerns.
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We are investigating the notification’s technical aspects and will present a realistic alternative that addresses community concerns without compromising enforcement difficulties.
He added that he has given the Giridih district administration new instructions to “follow a 2018 directive which is to preserve the place holy in letter and spirit as per the teachings of Jainism.”
Considering our Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s initiative in this regard, Mr. Sudivya Kumar, the local Giridih MLA from the ruling party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, told The Hindu that “an amicable solution to the issue raised by the Jain community will be found in a week by inviting members of the community, saints, officials, and other stake-holders.” “This is a local matter, and it should be dealt locally,” he argued.
The Jain community’s venerated leader, Muni Pranam Sagar ji, has asserted that the Parshwanath Hill circuit should no longer be designated as an eco-sensitive zone. The Jain Muni addressed the media, “Why eco-tourism zone; why not eco-thirthsthan or eco-pilgrimage centre?”
Several influential people have expressed their support for the Jain community. While offering support to the community, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) urged the government to refrain from turning the religious site into a “tourist attraction” and show consideration for the feelings of the populace.
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As the working national president of the VHP stated, “We are of the unambiguous conviction that no pilgrimage site should be transformed into a tourism destination.” According to Mr. Kumar, the VHP would work with Jain community representatives to take the required steps in this regard.
AIMIM Chief Mr. Asaduddien Owaisi expressed his support for the decision and demanded that the Jharkhand government reverse it. Shashi Tharoor, the leader of the Congress, also tweeted that the government should respect the Jain community’s feelings and designate Sikharji as a sacred site.
