Pigeon feeding row: Jain monk warns of stir from August 13, says will take up arms if needed

Mumbai : Mumbai-based Jain priest Rashtriya Sant Nilesh Muni Guru Maharaj has clarified his controversial statement threatening to “lift weapons” if a ban on pigeon feeding is not revoked. The priest said on Mondau that his reference to weapons meant fast-unto-death and not violence.

He stated, ” For a Jain, a weapon is fasting, nothing else. Lord Shaninath gave his life to save a pigeon. We can do the same. He added, There is the Supreme court and there is God’s court above all. We will do what Lord Shaninath did. I have come to Mumbai for Chaturans. I dont want any political person’s support. The priet than furtherly compared it to other religious customs. ” Some sacrifice goats- that is their religion. We want to follow ours. People are dying due to drugs and alcohol , but nobody is bothered. Why is only our temple being targeted, and our beliefs hurt ? In the Jain religion, its said that we must protect everyone from ants to elephants, he than even acknowleged concerns over health issues linked to pigeon feeding but maintained it was part of the Jain faith. ” Still i apologise if anyone is hurt due to my comments” he said.

The controversy began when the authorities imposed restrictions on pigeon feeding in certain areas, citing health hazards. The remarks by the Jain Monk have since sparked a debate over religious freedom, public health and the limits of protest.