Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 17: Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) today demanded passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill in toto without any exclusion.
The demand was made at a joint press conference by the Trust representatives and heads of various KP organizations including Spokesperson of the Trust, Dr R L Bhat, Swami Kumar Ji, H L Chatta, Virender Raina, Dr A N Pandita, A K Raina, M K Jalali, H N Jatu, K K Khosa, Prof P N Trisal, M K Raina and Kashmiri Lal. The senior trustee Yash Bhasin was also present in the press conference.
They warned the vested interests against sabotaging this collective right of Kashmiri Pandits and said that no dilution will be acceptable to the community and declared that the community will come on streets if Bill is deferred.
They said the Hindu Shrines of Kashmir are not a private property or personal fief of any trustee, member management, Sadhu or Purhoit to whom they have been entrusted for management. All shrines and temple of Kashmir are the collective heritage of all Hindus of Kashmir, without distinction of caste, creed or surname. Hence no distinction on this count can be allowed, said Dr R L Bhat.
He said the Hindus of Kashmir without difference and discrimination are collectively the legatees of all the temples and shrines of Kashmir and are eligible to be elected to the Shrine Board under the Bill.
Highlighting the need of preservation of these shrines and temples in the Valley through constitution of a Shrine Board on pattern of Wakf Board and Gurdwara Prabandhak Board, he said countless temples and shrines have fallen down while numerous temples and shrines and other landmarks of Hindu civilization in Kashmir have been encroached upon.
Besides various managements whether from Valley or outside including Sadhus and Purohits have sold their land other properties and trust has a total proof in this regard in which Hindus of all classes and groups are involved including those from Valley.
They said prime temple land of Ramcharndaran temple, Gadhadhar temple was sold by Dharmarth Trust. During last one year the ex president of DT registered sale of 100 kanals of land of Jawala Ji at Khrew and about 10 kanals of Veetal Bhairav at Rainawari and it was got reversed after community protested.
The opposition to the Bill is the fear psychosis among the vested that after the formation of the Board all the sale deeds will be declared null and void, said Kashmiri Lal while M K Raina of Jawala Ji warned the land mafia trying to encroach the Jeewan Sahib shrine in Ladhoo Pampore.
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