The people of the Jain community opposed the Jharkhand government’s decision to declare ‘Shri Sammed Shikharji’ as a tourist destination.
In fact, the Jharkhand government has declared Lord Parasnath mountain, the holy place of Jain Digambar Shwetambar society, as a tourist destination, due to which hotels will open there. The Jain community is angry with this change and has come out on the road in protest. The saints of Jain society have said that whatever demands we have, keep them in a peaceful manner. It should not be forgotten that Jain community is only one percent of the country, but it gives 24 percent of the total tax of the country.
The Jain community demands that Parasnath be allowed to remain a pilgrimage site. The government should not make it a tourist destination. Alcohol and meat are not sold in Parasnath. Some time ago the delegation of Jain community had claimed that some people are drinking alcohol in Parasnath. Jain society believes that by making this area a tourist destination, the sale of meat, liquor and other banned items will also start. This will disturb the sanctity.
On 22 December 2022, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy also sent a letter to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. He appealed to Soren to issue necessary instructions respecting the sentiments of the Jain community.
Jharkhand government has said that it is committed to maintain the sanctity of Shri Sammed Shikharji. Tourism Secretary Manoj Kumar had said on December 21 that declaring a tourist area means that there should be good arrangements for the people of Jain society. The government will give funds for this. The secretary had said that the Giridih district administration has been asked to strictly implement the order of 2018, in which instructions were given to maintain the sanctity of the area.
