Bengaluru (Karnataka), August 27, 2015: Jains from all over Karnataka today converged in Bengaluru and took out a rally to express disappointment over the Rajasthan High Court’s order on Sallekhana ritual.
The Jains, who control textiles, apparel and hardware business in Karnataka, closed their business establishments for a day across the state as a mark of protest. Many of the central business districts of Bengaluru – Majestic, K R Market, Chikkapete – wore a deserted look as a consequence.
Senior leaders of Jain community will meet Karnataka Governor V R Vala later today and submit a memorandum to him expressing their reservations over the court order, which termed Sallekhana as illegal.
“Sallekhana is a ritual, which is being practiced by those who believe in Jainism. The court verdict is against our religion’s beliefs. Besides, these days, Sallekhana is practiced only by those monks, who are suffering from terminal illnesses. There is nothing in this,” said textile merchant Santosh Oswal.
The one-day protest will impact business across Karnataka. However, the Jain leaders said they did not have any other option to register their protest. – News Courtesy: India Today