Local sadhus organised a protest rally in Janakpur against the government’s plan to turn various religious sites (math-mandir) into a trust.

In a rally staged by the Sadhu Sewa Committee, participants alleged that the government move would endanger the very existence of those religious sites, reports said.

President of the Sadhu Sewa Committee, Binod Das, said the committee was infuriated following suggestions by a high-level investigation committee chaired by the president of the Extensive Janakpur Region Development Council, Bhoj Raj Ghimire, that the seven major temples of the city, including the Janaki temple and Ram temple be converted into a trust.

Angry demonstrators said that with the enforcement of the Guthi Act in 1950 AD, the status of more than 24 religious sites of Janakpur were in danger.

Report quoted Ram Tapeshwor Das, high priest of the Janaki temple as saying that 24 archeological temples and 10 gardens have gone into oblivion.

Of these, Shyamdas Kuti, Jagdish Das Kuti, Siya Bihari Kuti, Bhant Kuti, Baba Bishwombhar Das Kuti and Tyagi Kuti have been turned into the CDO residence, Eye Hospital, Family Planning Office, Scout Office, Zonal Hospital and Office of the Superintendent of Police respectively.

More than ten Kutis have been auctioned off by the Guthi Sansthan itself, Das said. Even the holy gardens have been destroyed, he added. nepalnews.com pb Apr 03 06