Kashi Vishwanath complex traders threaten mass suicide on Aug 15

Varanasi, June 20 (UNI) Traders of the highly - sensitive Gyanwapi-Kashi Vishwanath complex here today threatened mass self-immolation on August 15, Independence Day, if their long-pending demand for opening one of the five entry points to the complex was not fulfilled.

Traders associated with Vishwanath Gali Vyavsayi Samiti today handed over a memorandum to District Magistrate and Divisional Commissioner addressed to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in this regard.

The memorandum bearing the signatures of over 20 traders raised concern over the non-fulfillment of their long - pending demand of opening the gates at the Neelkanth entry point -- one of the five entry points to the complex.

Out of the five entry points, three including Chattadawar, Saraswati Phatak and Dhundiraj, are open for general public, while the Shani Deo entry point is only open for residents of localities falling in the three-zone area of the complex. The Neelkanth entry point is closed for everyone.

The traders in the memorandum alleged for the last three years, the traders had been demanding the opening of gates at the Neelkanth entry point, but the authorities had overlooked the demand.

''If the authorities do not fulfill the demand we will be forced to commit mass self-immolation in support of our demand on August 15,'' the traders threatened.

Confirming the receipt of the memorandum, DM Beena Kumar Meena said, ''We will soon look into the matter seriously and find a way out.'' UNI