Puri: Residents of Puri have launched a round-the-clock sit-in outside Shree Jagannath Temple in the pilgrim town, stepping up their demand for a special entry and darshan facility at the 12th century shrine.
The protesters staged the 24-hour dharna in front of the west gate of Shree Jagannath Temple to press for a separate and easier darshan arrangement for local devotees.
The protesters said they will continue the dharna, which began on Wednesday evening, until the administration takes concrete steps to address their demand.
Stating that they have been seeking easier access to darshan at the shrine for the past 142 days, the protesters alleged that the administration is yet to take proper steps despite their repeated requests.
Residents of Puri have been demanding a dedicated and convenient darshan system for people living in the pilgrim town. Locals regularly visiting the Temple should have an easier mechanism to have darshan, they argued.
The residents decided to intensify their demand by launching an indefinite protest after claiming that their grievances had remained unaddressed for months.
The protesters said the agitation would continue until the administration responds to their demand and takes steps towards providing a separate arrangement for local devotees.
The protesters have also questioned the existing arrangements at Srimandir for different categories of devotees.
Thousands of devotees visit Puri every day to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. Special arrangements are made for VIPs and VVIPs, while a separate arrangement at the west gate is reportedly available for servitors accompanying pilgrims.
Residents of the holy town have sought to know as to why a similar facility cannot be introduced for local devotees.
The protest comes amid the continuing debate over crowd management and darshan arrangements at the 12th century shrine.
