Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 4: Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust the nodal organization spearheading the struggle of the exiled Kashmiris for the enactment of the Shrine Bill for protection , preservation and maintenance of the temples and shrines in Kashmir valley has called upon the ruling coalition to fulfill its promise made to the delegations of the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust and enact the Shrine Bill so that the ongoing vandalisation and loot of the religious heritage is stopped.
Stating this Dr. R L Bhat spokesperson of PNBMT said that the Trust has made it clear in the resolutions and public meetings held at Jammu and Jagti, that nothing short of a legislation, providing for a democratically elected body can prevent the loot and vandalisation of the temples in Kashmir.
He said PNBMT has categorically rejected the half way measures suggested by some people and outfits because such measures cannot cover the whole Hindu religious heritage in Kashmir.
He said as the High Court has pointed out the temple land are being alienated by Mahants and Managers through Leases , attorneys etc when they have no such powers to dispose of the temple lands, he added.
He said PNBMT while leading the struggle for the enactment of the Shrine Bill , the nodal organization has produced a comprehensive directory of the religious heritage of Kashmir. The work titled Hindu Shrines of Kashmir by Dr R L Bhat has already been published by PNBMT. It lists 1403 holy places comprised of 975 temples and shrines and 428 sacred sites, cremation grounds , scared grooves etc.
PNBMT has got the support of all mainstream parties PDP, BJP, NC and Congress. The demand has been endorsed by the past Chief Ministers Dr. Farooq Abdullah, late Mufti Mohammed Sayed and Omar Abdullah. The exiled community still remembers the strong plea for the enactment of the Shrine Bill made by the present CM Mahbooba Mufti on the floor of the Assembly.
Unfortunately, the vested interests seem to have been able to stall the enactment of the Shrine Bill on one pretext of the other. PNBMT hopes that the clarity and concern expressed by the Honourable Court should prevail upon the powers that be and pave the way for enactment of the Shrine Bill. PNBMT would like to make it clear that it is for a democratic body, elected by all Hindu voters of the Valley, which shall have jurisdiction and control of all the temples, shrines and religious properties of the Hindus in the Kashmir.
The bill would not dislodge any Sadhu or Mahant but would prevent vandalisation of the temple properties.
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