Kashmiri Pandits protest over vandalization, theft in temples at Valley

Protestors raising slogans during demonstration at Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh
Protestors raising slogans during demonstration at Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 6: All organisations of Kashmiri Pandits held protest against vandalization and theft in the temples at Valley including the recent incident at Logripora Ashmuqam and Tripursundri Devsar temple in Kulgam.
Large number of Kashmiri Pandits representing various organizations assembled in Exhibition Ground near Press Club and held protest. They raised slogans demanding adequate security by establishing CRPF pickets at all such places.
The protestors condemned the Devsar incident and showed their resentment against the Government, which has totally failed to protect and safeguard the temple properties in the Valley.
On the one hand, the Government has been making tall statements with regards to return and rehabilitation of community but has mercilessly failed to create a sense of security amongst the Kashmir Pandits, they added.
They further stated that to prevent such despicable incidents which has the potential of creating further distress between the two communities, the demonstrators vociferously demanded that since the successive Governments have failed to enact the temples and shrine bill for the last many years which has led to such incidents, a full proof and adequate security should be placed in by establishing CRPF pickets at all such places.
They also demanded action against the culprits and exemplary punishment for them, so as to send clear signals to the miscreants who are hell bent upon to disturbing peace in the Valley.
The demonstrators also appealed to the Government to take on board all the Kashmiri Pandit organizations for creating atmosphere of confidence in the community itself, which could prove helpful in the long run.
Later, the protestors tried to take out a rally, but were stopped by the police personnel near Dogra Chowk.
The organizations, which participated in the demonstration, were All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Amphalla, NC Minority Cell, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj, All India Kashmiri Samaj, Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, Lok Janshakti Party, KPCC (IDP), KPIT, Sharika Peeth Sanstha, Shiv Shakti Sanstha, TRT Nagrota, Samajik Vikas Sanasthan, Panun Kashmir, etc.
The speakers who spoke were Advocate Ravinder Raina from ASKPC, KK Khosa from KPS, MK Yogi, President, NC Minority Cell and RK Bhat, President, YAIKS.
Meanwhile KHC convener, P L Kaul Budgami and its general secretary Jaikrishan Raina Maktoom have expressed concern over the felling of hundreds of trees at cremation ground in Chowgam Devsar tehsil of Kulgam district in South Kashmir.
In a statement, they said that the trees valuing lakhs of rupees have been cut forcibly and demanded that the culprits be booked under law and the money recovered from them which is the property of the Hindus of the village.
Mata Chandi Bhakti Sangathan, Chowgam, Qazigund has condemned the incident and stated that the Administration of District Kulgam failed to take care of the shrines, temples and cremation grounds in the district. President of the Sangathan demanded action against the culprits and the encroached property should be retrieved immediately. He further appeals that Government should ensure the protection of the migrant property in the district.

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