Maharashtra Government fears Taveez

Mumbai: Shri. Girish Shah, Coordinator of Jain temples guided people in his inaugural speech at the HJS drive conducted between 14th & 16th March to fight proposed anti-Hindu Acts. In the year 2002, the 13th Law Commission in its report advised taking over all temples, as they were mismanaged. It was mentioned that there were malpractices, illegal activities going on and there were financial scams. When the report was made public, the Government move was roundly criticised; but since elections were round the corner, the Government postponed its implementation.

Now the 15th Law Commission has been more harsh in its recommendations. It has taken Jain temples, Parsi fire-temples Gurudwara of Sikhs under its purview. It is our misfortune that people from other Sects and religions are not aware of what is going on. The Government has no interest in managing the temples; its only interest is looting money offered by devotees.

Under the proposed anti-Black Magic Act, if any saint gives a holy thread or ‘vibhuti’ to anyone, both the giver and taker will be treated as offenders; but it is not clear why it is not applicable to Islam, why should Muslims be excluded. If a Muslim maulavi gives a holy thread (taveez), it is not blind faith. Only Hindu rituals are covered under the provisions of the proposed Act. We have to increase our efforts and intensify our fight. Jain temples will participate in this fight, with their body, mind & intellect; because if we are not united, the Government will use the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy and get their evil designs through. He said that wherever their participation is needed, they will join hands with HJS.