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Community will have say in running basadis: Seer

MANGALORE: The theft of private assets of historic importance from Siddantha Bhavan on Guru Basadi premises at Moodbidri on Saturday last, has galvanized the entire community.

At a meeting of community leaders held on Monday at this Jain Kashi of the South, 40km from Mangalore, a unanimous decision was taken to decentralize administrative powers and involve the community in day-to-day affairs of the 16 basadis.

Swastishree Charukeerthi Panditacharyavarya Bhattaraka swamiji of Jain Mutt, Moodbidri, who chaired a meeting immediately after his return from the US, told TOI, "The community will have a greater say in running the affairs of the basadis, while the final say on religious issues vests with me." The three hereditary trustees - Aanadka Dinesh Kumar, Sudesh Kumar and M Sunil Keerthi -- will jointly run the basadis under the swami’s guidance. Keeping in mind the safety of the remaining idols at Siddantha Bhavan, the swamiji said a decision was taken to stop ’Siddantha Darshan’ at the bhavan for all Jain devotees, until further notice. "We first need to ensure total security of the Guru Basadi premises, including the bhavan," he said, adding a decision was taken to appoint security guards, install more CCTVs on the premises and arrange for the feed to be monitored 24x7.

Security will also be ramped up at the 1,000 Pillar Basadi, and community members will join hands with the local law enforcement agency to ensure their security, the swami said.

"It’s no use blaming the police, who have too much on their hands. The community will contribute to police efforts to detect the crime, he said, adding they will not point fingers or work at cross-purposes," he added.

K Abhayachandra Jain suggests shared security system for basadis

MANGALORE: Minister for fisheries, youth welfare and sports K Abhayachandra Jain on Monday said that he will urge the state government to introduce round-the-clock security with the help of police to protect antiques in Jain basadis in Moodbidri and other regions.
 
He mooted a proposal of sharing security system for Jain basadis by the government and Jain community. "Jain basadis, ancient monuments and idols are national assets. It is also the duty of the government to protect this ancient property. Hence, 50 per cent of the security should be provided by the government," he said, adding that majority of Jain basadis have lost land after the introduction of the Land Reforms Act.
 
"Since Jain basadis do not have sufficient land, it is difficult to introduce foolproof security measures. Hence, the government also should take the responsibility," he said.
 
On the ongoing investigations in to the theft of antiques from Siddantha Bhavan on the Guru Basadi premises in Moodbidri, the minister said that he has confidence in Mangalore city police. "I would not like to interfere in a case which is under investigation. We will wait and watch the investigation," he added.