Road barriers around Nallur temple come under severe criticism by devotees

 

Road barriers that are put up at Point Pedo road, Jaffna.

A special traffic arrangement that have been put in place around Nallur temple premises in view of its ongoing annual festival came under criticism by both devotees and local residents alleging selective treatment by authorities.

Earlier, Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) along with Trustees of Nallur Kandaswamy Dewastanam introduced road blocks and traffic movement restrictions along Point Pedro road. Temple road, Arasady road to ensure devotees can access the temple without any difficulties. No vehicles, including bicycles are allowed to enter in the premises of the temple by police officials who are deployed at road barriers. 

However, a cab vehicle with Buddhist monks onboard was allowed to enter the temple premises yesterday despite strict regulations that are imposed by both JMC and police authorities. 

A cab vehicle with Buddhist monks onboard was allowed to enter the temple premises by police personnel yesterday.

Meanwhile, a complaint of public nuisance has been lodged by some devotees and residents in the area at the Jaffna regional office of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) over the road blocks and special traffic arrangements as well. The Commission is  currently investigating the issue followed by visiting the area yesterday (10). (Northeastern Monitor/August 11/2024)