Man observing Santhara dies

Jaipur, Oct 2 (UNI) A 74-year-old man, observing the Jain religious tradition of 'santhara' (fast unto death), died in Ajmer today, taking the number of such deaths to three in recent times.

According to family sources, Amarchand Kaswan of Lakhan Kotari in Ajmer district, who was suffering from gangrene, had been on fast since last Friday. The doctors here declared his condition as highly critical and advised the family to take him home as his chances of survival were bleak.

He then decided to observe 'santhara'.

A few days ago, the death of Vimla Devi in Jaipur, who too had observed santhara, had sparked a debate over the practice with some human rights activists approaching court equating the practice with suicide and demanding a ban on Santhara.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for October 5.

UNI PJJ VA BD1947