'We will condole his death by a yatra across the state' – Togadia cares a little to SC order
The VHP/RSS and their newly formed outfit 'Swami Laxmanananda Sraddhanjali Samity' guided by VHP leaders Mr. Parveen Togadia, Mr.Mohan Bhagwat and others have planned to organise a yatra carrying the 'asthi' or 'soils' from burial of slain VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in the state. This yatra will cover almost all villages of the district and many places of the state. It has been feared by many that it would increase violence in affected areas and spread tensions to other peaceful areas of the state. Many intellectuals, civil society organizations, artists, opposition political parties have demanded to stop such type of yatras at any cost.
Following a petition filed by Arch Bishop, Cuttack, the Supreme Court sought clarifications from the Orissa Government and the government on 4th September assured the Supreme Court of the safety of Christians in the state and that it would not allow a Hindu group to take out a rally for carrying the ashes of slain leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal district.
We are yet to know the words of the Supreme Court. Also we are in confusion as regards to the assurance given by the State government. Whatever we are getting to know from media and talks of the RSS/VHP leaders – the Sangha Parivar and its new outfit are not going to care the spirit of the SC order. The Yatra will be organized. Please see 'what Pravin Togadia tells to Time of India –
Togadia to conduct Orissa 'yatra' despite SC objection
NEW DELHI: Facing flak from the Supreme Court over his proposed 'yatra' across Orissa with the "ashes" of slain VHP functionary Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia on Thursday said a 'yatra' condoling the murder will still be carried out.
"The dead body of Swamiji was not cremated. His was a samadhi and he was buried. So the claims of the 'asthi-kalash yatra' are not true. However, we will condole his death by a yatra across the state," said Togadia.
"We will march through every village and town of Orissa despite the pressure tactics of the Christians to ensure safety of Swami Laxmanada's murderers," he said.
Togadia said over phone that he never proposed to carry the "ashes" of Saraswati and alleged that Archbishop Raphael Cheenath had "lied under oath to the apex court".
The VHP leader did not specify any date for his 'yatra' but said "it will be conducted in a peaceful manner".
Earlier, in response to a query yesterday by the apex court, the state government today stated before the court in an affidavit that it will not allow Togadia to conduct any 'yatra' with the "ashes" of the slain VHP leader.
Today OTV ( a local channel) and 'Dharitri' (Oriya daily) informed that the Yatra will take place on 6th Sep 08 in Bhubaneswar with 'Sadhus', there will be 'installation' of 'Siba Linga' on the 'Samadhi' (burial place) of Laxmanananda on 7th, 'vaktas' (disciples) from each village of the state will come to bring soil from the 'Samadhi' and carry back to their respective villages on 8th Sep. Togadia's statement has been reconfirmed by VHP local leaders that there is no need to take permission from the state for this 'yatra'.
This is like playing hide and seeks with the 'rule of law'.
Now it is the turn of the Orissa Government how far they will sincerely respect to the Court's spirit and prove their committment to 'rule of law'.