ISKCON Secunderabad Protests Against Land Acquisition by HMR

With threat of losing 1,685 sq yd of property at Secunderabad, Isckon held a conference on Sunday in protest against the land acquisition by HMR. Dr Sahadev Das, president of ISKCON Secunderabad, said, "We would oppose the demolition by creating awareness across the State and by launching signature campaign. People who visit the temple are signing the petitions and in regard to online petitions, people from over 80 countries have expressed their support for our cause. We plan to garner support from over 100 countries. Our main cause is to unite the Hindus and prevent the destruction of the temple."

In the year 2008, the temple faced a similar situation when collector Naveen Mittal had issued a demolition notice. The people along with then Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya staged a formal protest outside his office and for eight long hours the protest was carried on till the government withdrew its order. BJP leader, BandaruDattatreya said, "When I was the minister for railways, I had proposed the project of a metro rail in the city.

During those times itself, I had made it very clear that the metro rail should enrich the city and not cause more trouble to it. The proposition was sound. No temples, houses or even road widening procedures were to take place. But everything has been inverted now. In a country like India, where religion is given paramount importance, it is sheer stupidity to even consider the demolition of a temple."

"I will speak to the HMR authorities and request them to revoke their order. Destroying temples and ancient sites in the name of progress is not the way a government should function. We saved our haven last time, we will go back with the same fervour and spirit and protect it this time also," he added.