Cuttack: Following 12-hour Cuttack Bandh recently observed in the city, a number of local outfits Wednesday staged protests against the state government decision to continue with capping of idol heights during coming festive season, which was previously announced.
According to a source, the organisations like Cuttack Mahanagar Congress and Hindu Jagarana Mancha protested at various prominent locations demanding that the capping of idol heights be lifted immediately. They also raised voice to allow celebration of Durga Puja in public.
Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim led a group of members from Cuttack Mahanagar Congress. The locals staged a silent protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue at Purighat locality. They agitators demanded the government to withdraw its recent decision.
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The leader Moquim said,“The residents of Cuttack have an emotional bonding with Dussehra festival. The state government must honour their sentiments and lift the unnessary restrictions. Residents should be allowed to take part in the forthcoming Durga Puja festival by strictly adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols.”
Besides, the Hindu Jagarana Mancha agitated in front of the district collectorate. They have staged a sit-in for an indefinite period.
The state government has not put any curb on political congregations during the pandemic. When Covid-19 restrictions imposed on public places like shopping malls, cinema halls and temples have been relaxed, putting curb on festivals makes no sense, an office-bearer of Hindu Jagarana Mancha said arguing in support of its demand.
Notably, the Puja committee of Balu Bazaar filed a writ petition in the Orissa High Court Tuesday challenging the government notification restricting the height of Goddess Durga idols within four feet.
PNN