Tensions have revived in Kamthi village, Kawardha district, regarding the hoisting of a saffron flag on a temple dome. The case is delicate since, in the past, the village had experienced conflict between two groups of people in the village as the Durga idol was installed to celebrate Navratri.
To avoid any further development and to maintain social peace, District Collector Gopal Verma also visited the village personally and talked to the people on both sides. He urged everyone not to fight, and he called upon everyone to live in peace.
The problem occurred on Maha Ashtami, when the temple committee and some villagers put a saffron flag on the dome of the temple. Nevertheless, there was already the flying of a multi-coloured flag that symbolised the Gondwana community. That has raised concerns of a new war.
Villagers have explained that they do not mind both flags being put in a position where they are visible together. They, however, cautioned that should anyone make an effort to take down the saffron flag, they would cause a stand-off. According to the president of the temple committee, the saffron flag was put there after the consent of the villagers. He further said that they do not object to the current Gondwana flag, yet any move to remove the saffron flag might provoke a similar wave of unrest as experienced last year.
Since the issue is sensitive, Collector Verma sat down to meet community members and instruct the parties to adopt a conciliatory stance. He added that in case both religious symbols are displayed in agreement with each other, there will be no interference by the administration.
Home Minister Responds
The situation was also commented on by the State Home Minister Vijay Sharma. He told me that prior to the start of Navratri, he had promised that Goddess Durga would be installed at the same location, and this has been done. He explained that administration and traditions are being adhered to, and engagement of the entire population is being made aware of each move.
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