Jains Hold Massive Protest In Delhi Over Decision To Turn 'Sammed Shikharji' Into Tourist Place. IN PICS

The Jain community staged a massive protest near Delhi's India Gate on Sunday over the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government's decision to declare Sammed Shikharji a tourism destination.

eople belonging to Jain Community take part in a protest for sanctity of pilgrimage site 'Sammed Shikhar ji, at India Gate in New Delhi, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023

Members of the Jain community have been protesting in various places over the Hemant Soren government's plan to name Sammed Shikharji a tourist attraction. Protesters gathered in front of India Gate in New Delhi on January 1. (Image Source: PTI)

The community protested the Jharkhand government's decision at India Gate. Shri Sammed Shikharji is a Jain pilgrimage centre located in the Parasnath Hills of Jharkhand. (Image Source: PTI)

The state government has chosen to turn it into a tourist attraction, which has irritated the community. They are concerned that the decision will jeopardise the sacredness of the site. The decision was made as part of the Jharkhand government's Tourism Policy, which was introduced in July of last year. (Image Source: PTI)

The Jain pilgrimage centre is significant since it is where 20 of the total 24 Tirthankars obtained liberation. Every year, hundreds of Jains make the 27-kilometer walk up the hills to witness the mansions of salvation shrines of the 20 Tirthankaras. (Image Source: PTI)

Palitana is regarded as a sacred place for Jains since the first Tirthankar is supposed to have obtained Moksha there, whereas Sammed Shikharji is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites because 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras, as well as other monks, attained Moksha there. (Image Source: PTI)

The Vishva Hindu Parishad issued a statement in response to the state government's decision, stating that the VHP is committed to preserving the sanctity of all pilgrimage sites in India. (Image Source: PTI)

The area should be deemed sacred, and no tourist activities involving meat or drugs should be permitted, according to the VHP. (Image Source: PTI)