Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj was denied entry by Nagaland authorities at Dimapur Airport on Thursday, September 26. The Shankaracharya, who leads the controversial “Gau Dhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra,” aimed at promoting a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, was blocked from entering the state due to concerns over public unrest.
Despite the Nagaland government previously rejecting permission for the yatra in Kohima on September 28, Swami Avimukteshwaranand arrived in Dimapur from Itanagar on a chartered flight. Local authorities, following government directives, prevented him from exiting the airport, reportedly leaving the religious leader agitated. Dimapur Police, under orders from the state government, barred the Swami and his team from leaving the premises.
An order issued Thursday by Kevithuto Sophie, Commissioner of Police and District Magistrate of Dimapur, clarified that the yatra would not be allowed in the districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland due to concerns over public order. The order cited Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants Nagaland autonomy over its social and cultural practices.
Security was tight at Dimapur airport, with police checking vehicles entering the airport gates. Media personnel were also denied access to the site.
Earlier, the Swami had appealed to the chief ministers of northeastern states not to obstruct his visits to the region.
“He was initially agitated,” said Polan John, Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima. “But after we explained the state government’s decision, he understood. They rested for a while before leaving.”
The Swami is expected to release a video message addressing Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, following backlash against his visit. He and his team reportedly headed to Guwahati after being barred from entering Nagaland, as they were previously in Arunachal Pradesh due to student protests against the yatra.
The “Gau Dhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra” has been a highly contentious issue in northeastern India, where beef is a staple part of the diet. Numerous civil society organizations and student bodies in Nagaland have expressed strong opposition to the proposed yatra.
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