the west Tripura district administration recently decided to impose a ban on animal sacrifice during Durga Puja, thereby, sparking off a controversy. Manish Kumar, the district magistrate, had issued the ban while visiting Durgabari -- one of the ten temples in the state to be funded by the local government. However, the ban has been resented by many.
According to Bhibhu Kumari Devi, heir of the Manikya dynasty of the state, the ban on the centuries-old tradition has hurt the sentiments of the people. "This order will not be followed," said Dulal Bhattacharjee, the head priest of Durgabari. He claimed that the district administration is only liable to look after the temples and the royal family of the state has the sole authority to decide about the rituals and practises to be followed. According to Purushottam Royy Barman, an advocate, banning animal sacrifice may be desirable but the district magistrate's modus operandi seems to be flawed.
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