It has finally decided to shift all the antiquities preserved here to Patna. The government's decision has evoked wide resentment among local people who have launched a unique cultural agitation to protest against the alleged "anti-culture move" of the state government.

Quite a large number of folk singers (locally known as Bhagaitiyas) have started round-the-clock bhajans and "bhagaits" of Karu Baba (worshipped as folk god in Koshi region) on the main gate of the museum on Matsyagandha campus here from Wednesday.

They have decided to fight the alleged "Tuglaqui" order of the Bihar government. Mukesh Kumar Singh and Anil Kumar Yadav, the two cultural activists associated with Baba Karu Khirhari Vichaar Manch, told mediapersons that "bhagait" singing would continue till the government order is revoked.

"The museum, named after Karu Baba, is a symbol of our religious and cultural identity and we will not allow the government to wind it up," they added.

According to sources, the state art and culture ministry had issued orders of winding up the Karu museum about a fortnight ago, but trouble started when the departmental secretary directed Saharsa DM Narmadeshwar Lal to make proper security arrangements for the safe transportation of the antiquities to Patna museum.

The DM on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of such an order, but refused to divulge details. He said the shifting of antiquities was felt necessary for the security reasons.