Jain Journal 2001 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 88

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
Tribal attack on Jain temples puts Gehlot Govt. in a spot
The 21st century is just four months away but this predominantly tribal district is still in the "stone age.” In a shocking incident on Saturday afternoon thousands of tribals armed with bows, arrows and axes attacked Jain temples, shops and houses. The reason. They were made to believe that Jain monks in the area had arrested the clouds and "stopped rain" (baarish baandh) in the drought hit region.
The incident led to destruction of two Jain temples and a number of shops and houses owned by the community in the town. The police nad to open fire and 12 tribals received bullet injuries. There is palpable tension in the region with tempers running high.
This outburst of tribal anger against the Jain community has sent shockwaves throughout the State and the influential Jain community is up in arms. The incident, coming just before the Lok Sabha elections for the Jalore seat in the region scheduled for September 5, has triggered political convulsions.
The former Union Minister and senior Congress(I) leader, Mr. Buta Singh, and the BJP vice-president, Mr. Bangaru Laxman, are locked in a direct fight from the Jalore seat.
The former won the seat in the last election as an independent by over 1.60 lakh votes.
The ruling Congress(I) Government in the State headed by the Chief Minister, Mr. Ashoke Gehlot, is in a serious dilemma. On one side are the tribals who have traditionally supporting the party and on the other is the influential Jain Samaj. The Congress(I) is fully aware of the consequences and did not lose any time in rushing additional police reinforcements and CRPF personnel to the area. The State Home Minister condemned the incident and promised strict action against the culprits.
Yet the Jain community is not mollified. This was evident from the angry outbursts of the leaders of Jain organisations throughout the State during the day. These leaders have served a virtual ultimatum