Sivagiri Math sanyasins seek protection

Kochi, Oct 2 (UNI) A group of sanyasins of the Swami Prakashananda faction has filed a petition for protection with Appropriate Authority (AA) K S Paripoornan, who was appointed by the Supreme Court for the conduct of elections to the Trust Board of Sivagiri Math in Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram District.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Swami Ritambarananda said following threatening phone calls, the petition was given to the AA for protection. This was forwarded to the City Police Commissioner and the DIG.

He said the Apex Court had ordered the government and the state police to ensure smooth conduct of the October five elections.

It also directed the Thiruvananthapuram District Judge to be present at the election venue.

Swami Ritambarananda said presently 20 sanyasins of the faction were camping here to exercise their franchise.

He claimed the faction had 33 sanyasins of the total of 52 in the voters list for the board elections.

The swami also stressed that the present problems of the 'Math' would be solved if the faction got the majority in the trust board.

Swami Prakashananda, who was also present, said the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru should be given due importance at this time of adversity.

The Supreme Court on May two appointed retired Judge K S Paripoornan as the AA to finalise the list of voters and conduct the board elections in six months.

UNI MA AJ SK RAI1835