Buddhist Monks Oppose Demolition of Structures in Uttar Pradesh

January 22, 2006

Source: The Buddhist Channel/New Kerala News

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=1,2236,0,0,1,0

On January 22, 2006 New Kerala News reported, "The Uttar Pradesh Government's decision to demolish illegal structures at the temple, dedicated to Lord Buddha here has invited the wrath of Buddhist monks. They are now all set to protest against the decision. The decision to demolish the three structures - a charitable rest house, a clinic and a temple- within the compound of the Mahaparinirvan Temple comes in the wake of a recent court order ordering the demolitions. The Mahaparinirvan Temple has been constructed with the help of funds provided by the Government of Myanmar. The court took the decision to demolish the illegal structures after after a public interest litigation was filed in this regard... The administration, meanwhile, says the monks are not following the rules. They also say that these structures are not a part of the original design approved by district officials, and constructions took place after 1990. According to a 1992 ruling by the Archaeological Survey of India, the prime body that manages archaeological sites in India, no construction can take place within 100 meters of a protected monument."