Mahakumbh Nagar, UP, Feb 4 (PTI) – Yati Narsinghanand Giri, the Peethadheeshwar of Shiv Shakti Dham Dasna and Mahamandaleshwar of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government over the deadly stampede that occurred during the Mauni Amavasya at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh.
In an emotional letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Narsinghanand held state officials responsible for the tragedy, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity. He wrote the letter under the banner of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, claiming that the tragic incident was a result of poor management and lack of care for the pilgrims.
Describing the Mauni Amavasya stampede as a "horrific massacre," Narsinghanand focused on the broader issue of the safety and protection of Hindu society. In his letter, he criticized the "inhumane behavior" of state officials and referred to them as "shameless, corrupt, and insensitive."
"I am not primarily concerned with the Mauni Amavasya incident itself," he stated. "What worries me is the grave danger approaching Hindu society. This catastrophe is growing at a rapid pace, and it is one that Hindus feared when they elected Narendra Modi as India's Prime Minister and you as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister."
He further warned that the growing population of Islamist jihadists posed a severe threat to Hindu society and that Hindus viewed Chief Minister Adityanath as their protector. “You are seen as the shining sun of Sanatan Dharma, revered deeply in the hearts of most Hindus,” Narsinghanand added. "The majority of Hindus view you as their only protector."
The spiritual leader also voiced concerns over the state government's firearm-licensing policy. According to Narsinghanand, the policy was inadvertently assisting the rise of these perceived threats by making it difficult for Hindus to obtain weapons for self-defense. "While previous governments freely distributed gun licenses to their workers and voters, your government has barely issued any to Hindus despite their overwhelming support during your tenure," he argued.
He called on Adityanath to revise the policy, emphasizing the need for Hindus to protect themselves, especially women and children. "Hindus need firearm licenses now solely to protect their women and wealth when necessary," Narsinghanand said. "I urge you to change your firearm policy and grant licenses to every Hindu for their protection."
The stampede at the Sangam on January 29, which occurred during the Mauni Amavasya, led to at least 30 deaths and left over 60 injured. The authorities have cited overcrowding as the primary cause of the incident, with police confirming that the stampede occurred in the pre-dawn hours when pilgrims were gathering at the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has suggested a possible conspiracy behind the incident and announced a judicial probe into the matter to determine the cause and responsibility.
In an emotional letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Narsinghanand held state officials responsible for the tragedy, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity. He wrote the letter under the banner of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, claiming that the tragic incident was a result of poor management and lack of care for the pilgrims.
Describing the Mauni Amavasya stampede as a "horrific massacre," Narsinghanand focused on the broader issue of the safety and protection of Hindu society. In his letter, he criticized the "inhumane behavior" of state officials and referred to them as "shameless, corrupt, and insensitive."
"I am not primarily concerned with the Mauni Amavasya incident itself," he stated. "What worries me is the grave danger approaching Hindu society. This catastrophe is growing at a rapid pace, and it is one that Hindus feared when they elected Narendra Modi as India's Prime Minister and you as Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister."
He further warned that the growing population of Islamist jihadists posed a severe threat to Hindu society and that Hindus viewed Chief Minister Adityanath as their protector. “You are seen as the shining sun of Sanatan Dharma, revered deeply in the hearts of most Hindus,” Narsinghanand added. "The majority of Hindus view you as their only protector."
The spiritual leader also voiced concerns over the state government's firearm-licensing policy. According to Narsinghanand, the policy was inadvertently assisting the rise of these perceived threats by making it difficult for Hindus to obtain weapons for self-defense. "While previous governments freely distributed gun licenses to their workers and voters, your government has barely issued any to Hindus despite their overwhelming support during your tenure," he argued.
He called on Adityanath to revise the policy, emphasizing the need for Hindus to protect themselves, especially women and children. "Hindus need firearm licenses now solely to protect their women and wealth when necessary," Narsinghanand said. "I urge you to change your firearm policy and grant licenses to every Hindu for their protection."
The stampede at the Sangam on January 29, which occurred during the Mauni Amavasya, led to at least 30 deaths and left over 60 injured. The authorities have cited overcrowding as the primary cause of the incident, with police confirming that the stampede occurred in the pre-dawn hours when pilgrims were gathering at the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has suggested a possible conspiracy behind the incident and announced a judicial probe into the matter to determine the cause and responsibility.
