Gujarat ‘shilanayas’ allowed
Temple issue rocks Rajya Sabha

SURAT, Dec 21 (PTI) — The Hindu Jagran Manch was today permitted by the district authorities to lay foundation of a Ram Temple tomorrow at Halmodi village in the communally sensitive and Christian tribal dominated Vyara Taluka, 120 km from here, even as the Gujarat High Court directed that steps be taken to maintain law and order and protect all.

An official release here said District Collector-cum-Magistrate Singita Singh gave the permission for the foundation ceremony at a spot about 200 metres away from a prayer hall of tribal Christians in the village as security was tightened not only in this taluka but all over South Gujarat by deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional police personnel.

Mr S.K. Nanda, Special Secretary for Surat and Dangs said in Gandhinagar that the permission had been given subject to certain conditions and considering the fact that “local Christians are not opposed” to “shilanayas.”

However, a rally and dharam sabha proposed to be held on Christmas Day by the manch has been postponed.

A Division Bench of the High Court comprising Mr Justice C.K. Thakkar and Mr Justice D.P. Buch directed the state government to take all possible steps to protect life and property of citizens between December 21 and 26 in view of the agitation planned by the manch and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) during Christmas in South Gujarat.

The court also directed the state government to appoint two secretaries as observers for the South Gujarat region and asked them to submit their report to it on December 29.

The official release here said that the District Collector who had visited the village several times had allowed performance of “shilanayas” on a private block falling under a three hectare plot owned by a tribal Ukabhai Kokani.

The tribal, who had earlier converted to Christianity, reportedly returned to the Hindu fold last year. The taluka was among some places around Dangs district that witnessed communal violence last year.

The authorities have allowed the manch three hours from 11 a.m. tomorrow for the ceremony.

Security has been beefed up in the taluka by deployment of the RAF and additional police personnel and home guards. The State Reserve Police and RAF squads have also been deployed in other sensitive tribal districts of South Gujarat and they would remain stationed till January 1.

NEW DELHI (PTI ): The Rajya Sabha today witnessed uproarious scenes with the entire Opposition demanding that the Gujarat Government be directed by the Centre not to allow the Hindu Jagran Manch to lay the foundation of a Ram temple in a Christian-majority village in Surat district on Christmas Day.

Expressing the unanimous view of the Opposition, Dr Manmohan Singh (Congress) said if the foundation ceremony was allowed, it would fuel communal tension and might lead to ugly incidents all over the country.

“The evil should be nipped in the bud,” the Leader of the Opposition said, urging the government to give a categorical commitment that permission for the ceremony would not be allowed.

Responding to the demand, Leader of the House Jaswant Singh said the government was committed to maintaining communal peace and harmony all over the country and the Home Ministry was seized of the matter.

He also clarified that the Collector of the district concerned had stated that no permission had been granted for the ceremony. He also appealed to members that nothing should be said in the House which would inflame passions.

Earlier, the entire Opposition was on its feet, demanding a categorical assurance from the government that the ceremony would not be allowed. Quoting newspaper reports, they said the Hindu Jagran Manch and other organisations were making elaborate preparations for the ceremony at Halmodi village.

The issue was first raised by Mr Vyalar Ravi (Cong), who claimed that BJP member Prafull Goradia had misled the House yesterday by saying the foundation ceremony was not taking place.

On the contrary, reports today stated that it was indeed taking place, Mr Ravi said, claiming it amounted to breach of privilege.

The issue was immediately taken up by a large number of Congress, Left and other Opposition members demanding an immediate government response. After a few minutes of noisy scenes, Mr Jaswant Singh said the government was committed to secularism and maintaining communal harmony in every state.