Mathura Tightens Security Over Krishna Janmabhoomi Karseva Call, Bans New Traditions

The Mathura district administration has stepped up security and moved to prevent any new religious tradition or unauthorised activity in the Govardhan area amid a call for ‘karseva’ and ‘shankhnaad’ at the Krishna Janmabhoomi site.

The action comes in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court concerning the disputed Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah site, police officials said on Sunday.

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Rajiv Kumar Singh said in a video message that no new tradition could be started in the district in view of the court directions. He said organisers had announced a karseva programme for the construction of a temple at the Krishna Janmabhoomi site and had appealed to saints and prominent personalities to join a shankhnaad programme without securing police permission.

Authorities have begun stopping people travelling towards the area and sending them back to their respective police station jurisdictions. Police have also issued ‘red card’ notices to organisations and individuals who were approached or invited to participate in or facilitate the proposed event.

As many as 12 saints and religious figures have been served notices, including Sadhvi Ritambhara, Devkinandan Thakur, Mahant Phooldol Biharidas, Shricharandas, Saurabh Gaur, Sitaram Das, Abhishek Brahmachari, Mohini Bihari Sharan and Mahamandaleshwar Krishnanand.

Singh said the concerned organisations and individuals had been informed about the court orders and had assured authorities that they would comply. He stressed that the administration was maintaining peace, law and order and dialogue with all sides.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in the area. Police clarified that no one had been detained so far, adding that those who reached the area due to lack of information were counselled and sent back respectfully.

The proposed karseva was announced on July 4 by Swami Dr Sachchidanand, president of the Shri Chitragupt Peeth near Radhakund. He had called upon saints and followers of the Sanatan tradition to participate in the programme.

The long-running Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute centres on the Hindu side's claim that the site marks Lord Krishna's birthplace and that the Shahi Idgah mosque occupies part of land where a temple once stood.