Siliguri, 23rd July: Tension erupted at Sri Narayan Goswami Gaudiya Math at Hathi More under Ward No. 18 of Siliguri Municipal Corporation on Wednesday following an alleged attempt to relocate the temple.
According to allegations, the Math management committee had initiated steps to shift the temple to another location. During the process, an attempt was allegedly made to remove the deity by digging around its base.
As news of the incident spread, a large number of local residents gathered at the Math premises and staged a protest. They claimed that the Math and temple, which have long been associated with the area’s religious heritage, should not be relocated under any circumstances.
Some residents also alleged that there was a plan to relocate the Math in order to sell the land.
Meanwhile, members of the Math management committee stated that the decision was being considered due to the prolonged shortage of a regular priest and the lack of adequate financial support for the maintenance of the Math and its daily religious activities.
As the situation became tense, Siliguri Police reached the spot and held discussions with both the Math management committee and local residents. Following prolonged talks, police brought the situation under control and attempted to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Later, the Math management committee announced that the temple and the deity would not be shifted for the time being. The assurance brought relief to the protesting local residents.