In recent days, the serene village of Poriem has been rocked by violence surrounding the Shree Bhumika Devasthan temple, resulting in injuries to over thirty individuals, including several women. The clash between the Gaonkar and Majik communities, over the rights to conduct rituals during the annual Kalotsav, has revealed underlying tensions that necessitate urgent government intervention to restore peace and order.
The annual Kalotsav is a significant event for the temple, bringing the community together in celebration. However, this year’s festivities have been marred by conflict, as the two groups engaged in protests asserting their dominance over traditional rites associated with the temple. Witnesses reported that tensions escalated quickly, with police unable to control the situation, leading to a chaotic scene where law enforcement had to retreat.
Villagers voiced their frustration in a powerful statement, questioning the authority of the police presence. “We are being prevented from going to our own temple. Did the MLA send these police here or the Chief Minister?” they lamented, illustrating the deep-rooted sense of ownership and emotional connection they have with their place of worship. The tension reveals a community divided and struggling to assert its rights without resorting to violence.
This dispute is not an isolated incident. Previous controversies have plagued the temple, notably regarding the worship of Sakhaleshwar, the guardian deity of Shree Bhumika Devi Temple. Such disputes highlight the fragility of communal harmony in the region. Just recently, members of the Gaonkar community took their grievances to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, seeking an intervention that could lead to a peaceful resolution. Their hopes were momentarily lifted when the Chief Minister assured them that the matter would be addressed through legal channels, coordinated by the District Collector.
However, despite these assurances, punitive measures followed. Prohibitory orders were enforced, limiting gatherings to no more than five persons and shuttering the temple until December 24. In a further escalation, a police complaint was lodged against several villagers for performing rituals despite existing orders, underscoring a cycle of confrontation that could spiral into deeper conflict.
This situation is a prime example of how governmental intervention is not just desirable but necessary. With escalating tensions and physical confrontations becoming increasingly frequent, state authorities must mediate to prevent further violence and foster dialogue between the involved parties. Engaging community leaders from both groups in open discussions could facilitate a better understanding of the customs and traditions that each group holds dear, paving the way for compromises that honor the cultural heritage of the region.
Furthermore, the government should consider implementing long-term solutions to similar disputes, including establishing clear protocols for managing communal rights over religious sites. Education on conflict resolution and tolerance within communities can also provide a foundation for preventing future clashes.
As Poriem grapples with this fragile situation, it is imperative that all stakeholders come together to resolve this conflict peacefully. The Shree Bhumika Devasthan should be a symbol of unity rather than division, and it is time for the government to step in and guide the community towards reconciliation and healing.
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