Jain Journal 2001 04

SR No.: 520142
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 92
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 4 MB

Page 89

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
233
on the Gehlot Government to either nab the real culprits or be prepared to face their 'wrath'. In the poll times the meaning of such a warning is clear.
So it is a no-win situation for the State Government. Any action against the tribal leaders could trigger a chain reaction against the Congress(I) at least in parts where the tribals form a major chunk of the electorate. Inaction would invite scorn of the Jain community. The BJP is obviously waiting in the wings to exploit the situation. Political observers in this district view the developments as a motivated conspiracy by "vested interests" among the upper castes to fish in troubled waters and reap political harvest. They believe tribals are being instigated by these interests for partisan gains. The vested interests are attempting to cash in on the blind belief of a section of the tribals that drought in the region has been caused by the Jain monks.
Jains concede the attacks against them are part of a conspiracy by vested interests who are jealous of their prosperity and wealth. They see a pattern in the attacks and want the Government to demonstrate political will by nabbing the culprits and ending the social tension between Jains and tribals.
'Anoop Mandal' is widely believed to be the organisation behind the latest attack. This is an organisation which has been engaged for decades in spreading hatred against Jains in the region. In the 70's the State Government had declared it an unlawful organisation but for some reasons withdrew the ban later.
Several questions are being raised as to how the administration failed to read the writing on the wall. It is strange that the administration did not have a clue when 3,000 tribals gathered with armour and raised slogans.
The Hindu 30.8.1999
Jain temple ruining due to 'towering' neglect of ASI
The tower of the ancient Jain temple at Chitharal in Kanyakumari district is in ruins not only because of the vagaries of nature but also owing to the lack of interest of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in maintaining it.
According to inscriptions, Chitharal, once known as Thirucharanathumalai, is situated on a hillock about 3 kms from Arumanai in Vellancodu panchayat.