Bhubaneswar, Jan. 11 -- After the local administration in Ayodhya imposed a complete ban on the distribution and online delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Temple, a renewed debate has erupted in Odisha over the long-standing demand to make Puri a meat- and liquor-free holy city.

Saints, servitors of Srimandir in Puri, and intellectuals have intensified their demand, urging the state government to take firm steps to protect the sanctity and dignity of Lord Jagannath Dham-one of the four sacred Dhams of Hinduism. Devotees argue that if such restrictions can be enforced in Ayodhya, there is no justification for allowing the open sale of non-vegetarian food in Puri.

The debate has also revived memories o...