At a time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to review the overall law and order situation in West Bengal, the Malda district police has issued a public appeal urging people to maintain peace and refrain from any unauthorised activities at the protected Adina Monument amid a growing campaign by a section of Hindu organisations to rename it as “Adinath” and establish a temple there.
The police appeal comes in the wake of social media posts claiming that certain individuals intended to visit the monument and perform religious rituals, raising concerns over possible tension in the area. The administration has stepped up vigil to prevent any disturbance to communal harmony and public order.
“It has come to the notice that several posts are being circulated on social media claiming that certain individuals intend to visit Adina Monument and perform religious rituals, including puja and other ceremonies, within the monument premises,” the police said in the notice.
“The general public is hereby informed that Adina Monument is a Centrally Protected Monument of National Importance under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is governed by the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act). No religious rituals or any other unauthorised activities are permitted within the protected monument premises,” the notice added.
Malda Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav Singh appealed to the public to cooperate in preserving the national heritage and warned that any unauthorised activity or circulation of provocative or misleading content capable of disturbing public peace or communal harmony would invite strict legal action.
“Let us all work together to safeguard our shared cultural heritage, uphold the rule of law, and maintain peace and harmony in society,” the SP said.
The appeal assumes significance against the backdrop of an ongoing demand by a section of Hindu organisations to rename the historic Adina monument as “Adinath”, claiming that the site has religious significance.
Recently, representatives of a Hindu organisation submitted a memorandum to state Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, urging him to raise the issue in the West Bengal Assembly. They have also demanded that the nearby Adina railway station be renamed “Adinath”.
With sentiments running high over the issue, the district administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that law and order are maintained and that no attempt is made to disturb communal harmony.