Pundit: Manner of demolition not good
By
Sue-Ann Wayow
sue-ann.wayow@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created:
Jun 28, 2012 at 11:00 PM ECT
Story Updated:
Jun 28, 2012 at 11:00 PM ECT
TWO religious leaders have expressed concern over the police/military operation to demolish the Highway Re-Route Movement's protest camp in Debe on Wednesday.
President of SWAHA International Incorporated Pundit Jaidath Maharaj said even though the area of worship would not have been as sacred and sanctified as an actual temple, the manner in which the structure was destroyed was not good.
And Rev Elvis Elahie, deputy principal at the St Andrews Theological College described the demolishing of the structure as "an inappropriate response to peaceful protest."
However, general secretary of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Satnarayan Maharaj criticised the actions of the protesters who often sang Hindi religious songs during their protests.
On May 19, the group, led by Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, opened a prayer room constructed on land where works were supposed to begin on the highway.
On that day, they celebrated one month of protest with a thanksgiving service with representations from the three major national religious denominations.
During the demolition on Wednesday, removed from the site were a potted peepal tree (said to be sacred to Hindus) and a picture with the images of the Hindu incarnation of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu.
Pundit Maharaj said his organisation had not discussed the incident and he was giving a personal opinion.
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