Country wide protest is taking place among the Jain community against the decision by the Jharkhand state government to convert the iconic Jain pilgrimage site Shri Sammed Shikharji Hill into an eco-tourism hub. The people of the community across India are raising their voices against the decision as they say it’s a place of worship and tourism hub would turn the place into a commercial place. There is also an apprehension that the place will lose its sanctity as many unwanted elements may spoil the place by consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol.

National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Chairperson, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, on Tuesday visited Shree Digambar Jain Mandir, Karkardooma, East Delhi on December 31, 2022. Two Jain community representatives were fasting in protest against the decision. Lalpura, deputed Joint Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, A Dhanlakshmi to visit the place after hearing their problems.

This decision has hurt the religious sentiments of the Jain community all over India. The visit was in response to numerous requests received by the Jain community to stop the conversion of Shri Sammed Shikharji into a tourism hub. The NCM Chairperson informed that the Commission has already asked the Jharkhand government to consider the demand of Jain community members.

The NCM has taken cognizance of the representations and has decided to hold a hearing on 17.1.2023. The Commission has summoned the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.