Wednesday, December 22 2004 15:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: An NDA (National Democratic Alliance) delegation led by Leader of Opposition L K Advani today (Dec 22, 2004) met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged him to "redress the harassment" of Kanchi Mutt and ensure a "humane treatment" to the jailed Shankaracharya.

The Opposition leaders submitted to Singh a report of its fact finding mission led by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Rajya Sabha Member Balbir Punj, which visited the Kanchi Mutt and met the Pontiff at the Vellore jail last week, NDA sources said.

The report had alleged that the Tamil Nadu Government had declared "an all out war" against the Kanchi Mutt under the guise of an investigation into a murder case and attempts were being made to tarnish the reputation of the ancient Hindu institution.

The leaders also alleged that the inmates of the Mutt were being "allured and tortured" by the police to give statements against the Seer.