Jain Monks Want Meat-Free Town

Jain monks in the sacred city of Palitana  in northwestern India recently launched a hunger strike. According to the Independent, they want the sacred city to become a vegetarian zone. They want to ban the sale of eggs and the slaughter of animals.

Sounds reasonable.  Jains believe that plants and animals have living souls so they are strict vegetarians.

But Jains are not the only ones who live in Palipatana. Muslims also live in the city. They make up almost 25% of the population. And, according to the Independent, “most Muslims eat meat and eggs as part of their diet and say it is essential they are able to offer sacrifice during specific religious holidays.”

Below is short two minute clip that shows you one of the most important Jain temples in the city.

Who’s right?  The Jains or the Muslims?  Students might debate  this after doing more research about the two religions.