Kabutarkhana Controversy Snowballs Into Marathi Vs Jain Tensions
The protestors accused members of the Jain community of defying a court-ordered ban on pigeon feeding and of forcibly removing tarpaulin sheets placed over the Kabutarkhana to restrict the activity: Reports
MUMBAI: The ongoing dispute over Dadar Kabutarkhana (a pigeon feeding spot) has taken a communal turn, with tensions escalating between the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and members of the Jain community. On Wednesday, MES activists staged a protest at Dadar, demanding action against members of the Jain community for allegedly violating court orders and calling for a complete ban on feeding pigeons at the Kabutarkhana.
The protestors accused members of the Jain community of defying a court-ordered ban on pigeon feeding and of forcibly removing tarpaulin sheets placed over the Kabutarkhana to restrict the activity. MES representatives insisted on strict enforcement of the ban and legal action against those responsible for the alleged defiance.
A large police force was deployed at the site early in the day, with barricades set up at key entry points around the Kabutarkhana to prevent escalation.
This protest comes exactly a week after a group—allegedly including members of the Jain community—tore down tarpaulin coverings at the Kabutarkhana, opposing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) directive prohibiting pigeon feeding in public spaces.
MES president Deshmukh questioned why no case had been registered against the Jain protesters. He also accused the home minister (Devendra Fadnavis) of siding with ‘a particular community’ and ignoring the concerns of locals. “We had gathered only to give our representation to police against those who threatened to take up arms if pigeon feeding was banned. We were not here to create unrest,” he said.
As tensions rose, officers moved in to detain Deshmukh along with other demonstrators and escorted them into police vehicles. At least 25 to 30 people have been detained by the Mumbai Police.
The BMC had imposed the ban on public pigeon feeding citing health concerns. The Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court have refused to intervene. However, Jain Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay has threatened to sit on hunger strike saying that they will not obey even the court and Constitution if things go against their religion.
