Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has shown once again their discrimination with respect to the demolition of Mangir Baba Shrine of Hindu Matang Community at Wakdewadi on 23rd May 07. The real happenings regarding these incidents as reported by a local proud Hindu is as below.
This Shrine was demolished using bulldozers on 23rd May at 2 am in the night. PMC showed keen interest for immediate tarring of the road at the same time. This action was initiated in the presence of a strong force of 200 policemen, while the residents & Trustees slept. Before carrying out this demolition, neither was any prior intimation given nor did the local Corporator call the Trustees for a meeting to discuss the matter before hand. The temple Trustees & general public woke up to the blasphemous action only in the morning when they saw nothing but a nicely tarred road in place of the Shrine. Shivaji Maharaj’s statue used by the trust for ShivJayanti celebrations was damaged a little during the demolition process.
The story of Shrine: Mangir Baba actually is Mang Veer Baba i.e a brave man of the Mang community. Over time the pronunciation of the name changed. Krantiveer Lahuji Vastad Salve’s father Raghoji Salve sacrificed his life fighting the British in 1817 at Khadki. (Much before the 1857 uprising) Krantiveer Lahuji Vastad Salve built a memorial (Samadhi) at this place for his father and took an oath at the memorial that he will give his life for his country. Krantiveer Lahuji Vastad Salve, Adya Krantikarak (First Freedom fighter) was also known as the Guru of Vasudeo Balwant Phadke, Lokmanya Tilak, Chaphekar Brothers etc.
The historic Mangir Baba temple, revered especially by the Matang Community was at Wakdewadi on Mumbai Pune Road. The temple was a symbol of extreme sacrifice for the country by selfless patriots.
Latest Happenings:
The Matang community from Maharashtra showed tremendous unity; their leaders stood up against the Corporations demolition, held aggressive demonstrations and hence the Corporation & the politicians had to listen to them.
An alternate piece of land (at Wakdewadi, Mumbai-Pune road) near a nullah (in place of an old water pumping station) has been provided – on which the Matang community has requested the construction of a proper Krantiveer Raghoji Salve Memorial. The Corporation has conceded to the request.
Another interesting development is that as a part of social reforms, the Matang community has made a conscious decision to stop the age old tradition of sacrificing chicken, goats etc at the newly constructed memorial.
All nationalistic Hindus should call or meet Mr. Vishal Sathe (President of the Mangir Baba Trust ) or his brother Mr. Shailesh Sathe on 9822281868 to express solidarity with their cause.
Willing Hindus may even give creative ideas to the Matang community for the construction of a new beautiful memorial.
(Hindus! Awaken from your slumber. Watch the discriminatory behavior of PMC in demolishing a place of worship in a few hours at midnight. On the other hand, the same PMC is silent on the issue of illegal Subhanshah dargah. Protest strongly & unite against this demolition & discrimination. – Editor)
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