Jain temple to be opened after 40 years in Moradabad (UP)
Muslims encroach upon the temple site
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) – The Jain temple in Ratanpur Kala village, which was closed for 40 years, will now be opened by the administration. District Collector Anuj Kumar Singh said that the people of the Jain community had taken the idols of the temple to different places. Due to this, the temple is empty and was closed; but a request has been made to use the temple land for social work. Due to which now a library will be built as per the wishes of the people of the Jain community.
Local Hindus say that Muslims have encroached upon the land around this temple from both sides. Illegal shops have been built there. Muslims have denied the allegations. The District Collector has ordered an inquiry.
Why is the temple closed ?Earlier, Jain families used to live here. Gradually, everyone sold their houses and left; but Pradeep Jain had a temple in his house, instead of selling the house, he closed it and moved from there. He also moved the idols in the temple to other temples in Moradabad and Haldwani. Since then, the temple has been closed. There is a Muslim population around the temple. Since this temple remained closed, Muslims started throwing garbage there. Now this temple has been handed over to the Government. |