Jain community protests ‘attacks’ on monks in different places

Mysuru: Members of the Shri Digambara Jain Samaj on Friday staged a silent protest at Gandhi Square, condemning the recent attacks on members of the Jain community in different parts of the country. Addressing the gathering, the protesters stated that Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has always propagated the message of non-violence (Ahimsa) and peace. They noted that the community has been rendering valuable educational, social and religious service while strictly adhering to the principle of causing no harm to any living being.

They expressed anguish over the recent death of two religious leaders who were allegedly killed after an unidentified vehicle deliberately hit them while they were undertaking a religious walk (Vihara) in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. They further pointed out that, before the community could recover from the shock of the incident, another accident in Rajkot, Gujarat, nearly claimed the lives of Jain monks.

Terming the incidents deeply disturbing, members of the community demanded strict action against those responsible and urged authorities to ensure the safety of monks and nuns undertaking religious journeys. They warned that if followers of non-violence continue to face such attacks, the Jain community would be compelled to launch an intensified agitation across the country.

Among those who participated in the protest were Samaj president MR Sunil Kumar, vice president B Bharathraj, secretary PS Lakshmeesh Babu, treasurer B Jwalendra Kumar, joint secretary N Jinendra Prakash, Padmashree Mahila Samaja president Nandini Sanjay, vice-president Jayalalitha, secretary Suma Dayakar and Jain Teertha Kshetra committee president Vinod Bakliwala.