STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The xatra fraternity has urged the State Government to arrest the rising thefts in xatras and naamghars. The menace came to such a pass that the xatra fraternity had to stage a sit-in in Barpeta recently.
Thieves stole valuables from three naamghars at Juria in the Nagaon district last night. The thieves also looted Konora Xatra, Chinpara Bithi Than, Santinagar Naamghar and Barpeta Xatra in the recent past. They stole monikuts, gold and silver ornaments, besides other valuables.
Talking to The Sentinel, Sri Sri Auniati Xatradhikar Pitambar Deva Goswami said, "The frequent incidents of thefts in xatras and naamghars have worried us. Such incidents did not take place earlier. I've requested the government to arrest the people involved in such activities. The government needs to take proper steps to secure xatras from such elements."
When asked why such incidents have risen, the Xatradhikar said, "People who have no faith in spiritualism can do such works. A section of people does such works to meet their small needs."
On April 6, the fraternity of the Barpeta Xatra staged a sit-in in Barpeta against the rising thefts in xatras and naamghars. Gautam Pathak, the Deka Xatriya of Barpeta Xatra, said, "Such incidents have posed a threat to Xatras and naamghars. We are a worried lot. We have requested the government to ensure the security of xatras and naamghars. We have sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Barpeta Deputy Commissioner in this regard. The thieves targeting xatras and naamghars bear significance."
Bhaben Pathak, a member of the managing committee of Patbaosi Xatra, said, "The xatra fraternity resorting to sit-in demonstrations seeking the security of xatras and naamghars is a matter to regret. It seems that a section is out to spell disaster for the xatriya culture in the state."
A senior police official said, "We are also worried over this trend. We have caught a few thieves. We are chalking out a strategy to provide security to xatras and naamghars from miscreants. It is not an easy task for us to provide security cover to every xatra and naamghar. We rest assured the xatra fraternity that we would protect xatras and naamghars from miscreants."
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