J'khand govt assured sanctity of Sammed Shikhar: NCM member

The Jharkhand government has assured that it would maintain the sanctity of Sammed Shikhar, a major pilgrimage site of the Jain community there, a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) said here Tuesday.

The Jain community has been expressing concern after some social media reports said the Jharkhand government was planning to develop a tourist spot at the pilgrimage point.

A delegation, including NCM member Sunil Singhi and representatives of Jain trusts met Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Monday to discuss the issue.

Talking to reporters here Tuesday, Singhi said Das assured them that his government was committed to maintain the sanctity of Sammed Shikhar, a range of hills in the state's Giridih district, considered as an important pilgrimage centre by the Jains.

According to Singhi, "misleading information" was being spread on social media over the last few months about the development of tourist spot at the site, which could affect the sanctity of the place.

He said after he received representations from some Jain organisations, he discussed the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Minority Affairs as well as the Jharkhand CM.

"I first met the chief minister on August 17 and conveyed to him our community's reservations. However, he assured that the site will remain sacred and there will be no compromise on that," Singhi said.

"In another meeting held yesterday, Das reiterated that the sanctity of the place will be maintained. He even gave this assurance in writing. I would like to request the Jain community that no such thing as tourist spot is going to be developed there," he said.

Parasnath hills are a range of hills located in Giridih district. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centre for Jains, who call it Sammed Sikhar. The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara.

"The chief minister also assured the Jain representatives that there will be no sale of meat or liquor there. With this, the matter has been resolved, and the Jain community should rest assured," he said.