Author: PTI
Publication: The Hindu
Date: November 22, 2004
URL: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200411221502.htm
Stepping up their campaign in support
of the jailed Kanchi Shankaracharya, a delegation of Hindu religious leaders
today met President A P J Abdul Kalam and demanded his intervention to
secure the pontiff's release.
The 18-member delegation, which
also included VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, also demanded
a "fair and impartial" CBI probe into the case and shifting of trial outside
Tamil Nadu.
"We requested the President to personally
intervene in the matter and direct the Union Government to secure immediate
release of the Seer," Mahant Gyan Das, head of the Akhara Parishad, an
umbrella organisation of religious leaders, told reporters here emerging
out of the 15-minute meeting with Kalam.
Mahamandleshwar Avdeshananda of
Juna Akhara said the delegation told Kalam that many countries have special
procedures to deal with religious leaders in such situations.
The religious leaders, apprising
the President of the demand by some Left Parties to acquire Hindu religious
institutions and temples and bring them under the tax net, conveyed their
strident opposition to it.
"The President assured us that he
would take appropriate action," the Juna Akhara Chief said.
