Protest at Shillong Airport as Shankaracharya’s Flight Denied Landing
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 28: A significant uproar occurred at Shillong Airport on Saturday as pressure group members, including KSU and FKJGP, rallied with placards and banners against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati Maharaj’s visit. They protested his plans to hoist the ‘Gau Dhwaj’ (cow flag) as part of his campaign against cow slaughter and to declare the cow as the “Mother of the Nation.”
Authorities at Agartala Airport had earlier informed the Shankaracharya that he could not proceed to Shillong, following directives from AAI Shillong and local authorities, which cited maintenance of peace during Durga Puja celebrations as the reason. Despite this, the Shankaracharya released a video stating that he had successfully hoisted the Gau Dhwaj aboard his flight flying at 21,000 feet above Meghalaya.
The situation on the ground was tense, with Ri-Bhoi district police chief Jagpal Singh Dhanoa addressing the gathered protesters, confirming that the Shankaracharya would not be permitted to land. The Shankaracharya later thanked the detractors, suggesting their opposition allowed him to fulfill his mission at a high altitude, and indicated plans to return to Meghalaya.
In stark contrast, KSU general secretary Donald Thabah criticized the Shankaracharya’s actions, deeming them an attempt to impose cultural values on the region’s diverse populace. He emphasized Meghalaya’s respect for different food habits and cultural practices, stressing that while the state is Christian and tribal-dominated, it does not infringe upon others’ dietary choices.
Thabah called on the government to prevent individuals from imposing their beliefs on the locals and stated KSU’s commitment to vigilance to ensure the Shankaracharya does not enter the state. The episode highlighted the complex dynamics between regional cultural integrity and broader religious campaigns.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/09/29/beef-ban-seekers-denied-entry-at-umroi-airport/
Category : MEGHALAYA
Tags:
