Jain Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay to begin indefinite fast in Mumbai from 3 November !

Opposition to the decision banning pigeon shelters !

Mumbai – In protest against the decision to ban pigeon shelters in the city, Jain Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay has announced that he will begin an indefinite fast at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, from 3 November. Although Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay had earlier declared that he would commence his fast from 1 November, the Mumbai Police denied permission for the protest. Consequently, the agitation will now begin on 3 November.

The police cited that 1 November being a public holiday could make maintaining law and order more challenging. On the same day, both Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have planned rallies demanding corrections in the voters’ list. To prevent any untoward incidents due to the simultaneous protests by two major political parties and the Jain community, permission for the 1 November protest was refused as a precautionary measure.

Demands of Jain Muni Nilesh Chandra Vijay

1. Feeding pigeons is a tradition linked with the Jain principle of non-violence and a part of religious faith. After the Bombay High Court’s order to close pigeon shelters, many pigeons have died; hence, measures should be taken for their protection.

2. Security and protection of Jain temples in Mumbai should be ensured.

3. Protection of cows must be undertaken.

4. The State Government should establish a separate board for the protection of Jain places of worship, pigeon shelters, and cattle.