Editorial
Protecting Mahasthangarh
Urgent steps needed
Failure of the Bogra district administration to protect and preserve Mahasthangarh archaeological site from grabbers despite repeated directives from the High Court (HC) against such encroachment has again prompted the highest seat of justice to step in.
The deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police (SP) are now required to explain the cause of their failure to the HC in response to a summon issued by it to this effect.
We are thankful to the HC for the activism it has shown to protect Mahasthangarh, one of the oldest archaeological sites of the country. In the same breath, we cannot but express our frustration over the administration's callousness on the one hand and the irresponsibility as well as insensitivity of the local leaders of the ruling party towards the invaluable historical treasures of Mahasthangarh. This is tantamount to offending our sensibilities towards a rich cultural heritage. How could the perpetrators be so greedy and philistine about an important national possession?
What surprises us is the way the encroachers, reportedly in connivance with some responsible officials of the local administration, did go ahead with construction work in violation of both HC orders and instructions from the cultural ministry to the contrary. It has also been reported that in their last bid to cover up their offence, they even tried to hide some precious relics of the site underground.
It is indeed a matter of great concern that Mahasthangarh, whose history dates back to 3rd century BC, has become unsafe at the hands of those who should have been its protectors.
The situation calls for the government to put its foot down and take stringent measures against the elements out to destroy the site. In this connection, the authorities should also take immediate steps to bring the repeated flouters of the HC orders to justice.
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