STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Assam Police have drawn up an action plan to shield the xatras, namghars, and temples across the State. Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) GP Singh told The Sentinel, “We’ll do whatever is required.” Stating that “the Xattras constitute a vital part of our cultural heritage”, the ADGP added, “The SPs (Superintendents of Police) have been already told to step up vigilance in such areas.”
The Asom Sattra Mahasabha (ASM) recently demanded that the Assam government must chalk out an action plan to safeguard the property of xatras, namghars and temples in the State. The demand came following a rise in the number of theft cases in these places during the last few months.
ASM general secretary Kusum Kumar Mahanta told The Sentinel that even though the number of such cases is increasing, the police’s action has failed to yield the desired results to nab the culprits. He said it is high time for the government to chalk out an effective action plan to safeguard property of these religious and cultural places.
On the other hand, ASM sources informed that miscreants on the night of April 23 looted money from the ‘danpatra’ and also ransacked the ‘Guru Ashan’ (seat of saint) from Sri Sri Gharosia Xatra within South Abhyapuri Legislative Assembly Constituency.