Bhubaneswar: Nearly two months after the state govt had announced plans to introduce a digital verification system for the local residents of Puri at Jagannath Temple to ensure special access for them, a group of residents on Thursday launched an indefinite, peaceful dharna outside the shrine, renewing their long‑standing demand for a hassle‑free darshan facility.The agitators pressed for a dedicated access path that would spare residents the ordeal of navigating congested queues. Citizens complain of enduring lengthy waits outside the temple for security checks, followed by another round inside before darshan. “VIPs and influential people enjoy the privilege of special darshan, but we local residents are deprived of a hassle‑free entry. We do not want VIP facility. We want hassle-free access and darshan. As our grievance has remained unaddressed for years, we have begun this sit‑in until our demand is met,” said Priyanshi Dash, a local devotee.Sukanta Panda, another protester, said the govt’s reopening of all four temple gates in June 2024 did little to streamline the system. “Visitors from outside Puri face hardship, but locals are the worst sufferers. Until a few years ago, we could enter quickly through the western gate, but that facility was discontinued. We demand a special darshan facility for Puri residents,” he asserted.On June 23, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had said that Odisha Computer Application Centre was tasked with developing the technology for a digital verification system. “A gadget will be installed to scan identity proofs and recognise local PIN codes. This will ensure only genuine residents of Puri avail the special entry facility. We will launch it soon,” Harichandan had said, adding that the electronic system would prevent misuse. “The facility will be available only to the local residents with valid identity proof. If they come accompanied by relatives whose cards show addresses outside Puri, the gadget will deny access,” he had explained.Officials, however, admitted the plan is still in works. “It may take some time to materialise,” a senior govt official said.