THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Devaswom Department is all set to issue orders banning arms training and physical drill on premises of temples.
The government move comes close on the heels of Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran stating that he had received complaints about temple premises being misused by RSS for conducting alleged arms training and physical drill. The proposed order draws its strength from Section 73 of Kerala Police Act: Regulation of Physical training.
It states “no person shall impart or organise any physical training which involves method of exercises regarding an attack or self defence to the public or any person or persons or to participate therein except in accordance with the provisions in the permit given for this by an authority.”
It also specifies that no person shall permit any person who does not possess valid permission for using any building or premises owned or possessed by him for conducting such physical training.
The state government is also citing Central government’s “The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988” which specifically prohibits arms training and storing of arms in religions places.
Though the proposed order is applicable to temples which come under the Devaswom Department, the government is also planning to bring similar restrictions in other religious places subsequently to check the activities of organisations trying to disturb religious harmony. The order banning arms training, physical drill is likely to be issued in a couple of days as it has to be brought before the Chief Minister for perusal.
Sources said the proposed order does not mention “RSS shakhas” but broadly refers to the physical drill and training that is imparted by that organisation.
Meanwhile, BJP state secretary Kummanam Rajashekharan has reacted strongly to the government’s proposed move to ban shakhas. He said the decision would have far reaching consequences.
Earlier, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had warned that his party would check RSS alleged arms training in the name of shakhas in temple premises across the state. “If the RSS continued with its shakhas within temple premises, the CPM red volunteers will intervene and block them,” he had pointed out.
