Bajrang Dal & Congress Unite to protest against Shiva Temple Demolition in Silchar

A longstanding Shiva Temple in Silchar faced destruction by the municipality, sparking a joint protest by members of the United Congress and Bajrang Dal. The incident, occurring just ahead of the revered festival of Shivratri, drew condemnation from both parties, leading to a tense situation that required police intervention to restore calm.

The temple, situated on Park Road in Silchar town, reportedly stood for three decades before its demolition on March 03. Allegedly, the municipality employed heavy machinery, including a JCB, to carry out the destruction under the cover of night, further exacerbating the ire of local residents.

In response to the demolition, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered at the site on March 04 to stage a protest against the perceived desecration of the religious site. Joining their ranks, representatives from the Congress, led by Abhijit Paul, President of the Cachar District Congress, voiced their solidarity with the cause, denouncing the clandestine destruction of the temple.

The arrival of Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta helped defuse tensions as he engaged with the protesting participants, assuring them of a thorough investigation into the matter. Mahatta’s intervention provided a temporary respite, with the police committing to address the grievances raised by the aggrieved parties.

A spokesperson for the Bajrang Dal expressed outrage over the lack of prior notification to the temple committee regarding the demolition, questioning the necessity of conducting such an action under the cloak of darkness. Similarly, Abhijit Paul of the Congress echoed these sentiments, condemning the disregard shown towards the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

SP Numal Mahatta pledged to take the matter seriously, acknowledging the significance of the temple, particularly during the upcoming Shivratri festival. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding, recognizing the emotive nature of the issue at hand.

Despite their ideological and political differences, the unlikely alliance between the Bajrang Dal and the Congress, led by Abhijit Paul, highlights the shared concern over the destruction of a revered religious site.