Probarana celebration muted in Khagrachhari

Protesting the attack on Buddhist temple in Kukichhara, the Yongdha Buddha Bihar of Khagrachhari town yesterday suspended some celebrations of Probarana Purnima.

Mahendha Mahathero, a senior monk at the century-old temple, said they did not observe lighting of candles, floating clay lamps in the river, and flying sky lanterns as traditional observances.

However, some programmes took place in the morning, as the decision was taken in the afternoon, he said.

“The holy Prabarana Purnima is a happy day for the Buddhist community. We don't have words to protest the brutal attack,” he added.

Neong Marma, convener of Prabarana Purnima Udjapon Committee at the temple, said they supported the decision made by monks.

Miscreants vandalised Jatobon Buddhist Temple and a seven-foot Buddha statue at Kukichhara village in Guimara upazila on Monday night, a day before the Prabarana Purnima, one of the biggest religious occasions of Buddhists.

Panic gripped local Buddhists who were taking preparations to celebrate the religious festival.

Kala Marma, a member of Hafchari Union Parishad in Guimara, said local public representatives and government officials including Kongjari Chowdhury, chairman of Khagrachhari Hill District Council, yesterday held a meeting with locals in Kukichhara over the incident.

Meanwhile, Chattogram Hill Tracts Commission yesterday condemned the “barbaric” incident, and demanded that the perpetrators be identified and brought to book immediately.

In a statement, it urged the government to form a fair and impartial body to probe the incident.