KPs take out procession to Raj Bhawan, demand constitution of Shrine Board

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Demanding promulgation of an ordinance for constitution of a Board for management of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples in Valley, Kashmiri Pandits took out a procession from KP Sabha Ambphalla here to Raj Bhawan this afternoon.
Over 300 Pandits including men, women and children participated into the procession, which culminated into a protest demonstration outside Raj Bhawan. The procession was organized by Pt Prem Nath Bhat Mermorial Trust.
The procession was led by Dr K L Chowdhary and Dr K N Pandita. The protestors with banners and placards in hands were demanding constitution of Shrine Board immediately by promulgating an ordinance.
Raising slogans in support of their demands they accused the Government of hoodwinking the public opinion on the issue.
Earlier addressing the gathering of KPs Dr Choudhary and Dr Pandita said that Government should not further delay the constitution of the Board, which will act as a major CBM among the community.
They said the temples in Kashmir are not mere religious places but linked to thousands year old rich heritage and culture of Valley and their preservation is must for posterity. They said the sentiments of the Pandits all over the globe are attached to these shrines and temples and delay in constitution of the Shrine Board has led to a lot of resentment among the community.
Addressing the gathering Dr R L Bhat another scholar gave account of last one year’s struggle of Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, which has launched the crusade for passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill.
He said besides four major meetings, 40 corner meetings were held at different bastis by the Trust. Eight delegations of the Trust met ministers and political leaders of different parties seeking their support for passage of the Bill, he added.
Dr Bhat said the Trust launched a general awakening campaign in the community and also a seminar on the issue. He said despite the assurances given by ministers the Bill was not passed in the just concluded Budget Session of Assembly generating a lot of resentment among the community.
The KP leaders resolved to take the present struggle to its logical conclusion. H L Bhat a senior leader of the Trust warned the Government not to test the patience of the Pandits by delaying the constitution of Shrine Board and restore the land of all shrines and temples encroached during last 22 years of turmoil to them immediately.