On February 21st, the Executive Commitee of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission has issued the following statement:

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We are writing to give you a brief official update from Mayapura regarding the upcoming ILS and GBC meetings.

Several nights ago there was an incident in Mayapura outside the Conch Building where tempers flared and a scuffle ensued among several dozen devotees. Angry words were exchanged and some began pushing and shoving.

One devotee was hit in the head with a stick. There were no serious injuries. However, that such tension has manifest in the Dhama raised concern for many devotees. 

This incident is related to a few underlying management and community issues that have surfaced over the past few months. The GBC members, most of whom are now in Mayapura, have been meeting with local leaders and other devotees to assess the source of the problems, cool tempers, and consider how to resolve the issues. As might be expected, rumors have circulated, including some rather wild exaggerations and untrue speculations.

Some have questioned whether the upcoming meetings will be postponed. 

The GBC wishes to confirm that the GBC meetings, the ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS), and the Mayapura Festival will go on as scheduled. We request devotees who were planning to come to Mayapura to please do so.

We look forward to productive meetings, an enlivening Leadership Sanga, and of course an inspiring Gaura Purnima Festival in your association.

Your servants,

GBC Executive Committee