Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 19: A meeting of the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) was convened to deliberate upon several issues confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community, with particular emphasis on the continued apathy of the Jammu & Kashmir Government towards the long-pending Temples and Shrines Bill.
The participants expressed deep concern over the inordinate delay in the passage of the Bill, which is considered crucial for the protection, preservation and proper management of the temples and shrines of Kashmir.
Chairman of the Trust, Roshan Lal Pandita, expressed strong dismay that although the Temples and Shrines Bill had been presented during the last Assembly session, it was casually brushed aside by the Omar Abdullah-led Government without any serious discussion or commitment towards its enactment. He stated that such indifference has caused widespread disappointment and anguish among the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Padamshri Brij Lal Bhatt highlighted the monumental efforts and sacrifices required to preserve and protect the ancient temples and shrines of Kashmir over the decades, particularly during the years of turmoil and displacement. He cautioned that in the absence of a comprehensive legislative framework, there always remains a grave danger of encroachment, misuse and refoulment of temple properties and religious institutions.
Deputy Chairman C.L. Pandita informed while the leaders of various political parties had assured support to the proposed Bill, questioned why despite such broad-based support, the Government continues to delay the passage of the legislation.
Senior advocate Kashmiri Lal Bhat raised serious concern regarding the growing political and administrative marginalisation of the KP community. He stated that there is visible resentment and insecurity among community members owing to the neglect of their genuine concerns. Referring to the NFSA, he said that the Government appears determined to impose the same without any meaningful dialogue or consultation with the community.
The meeting unanimously resolved that the Government must treat these issues with the seriousness.
Among those who attended the meeting included Sundri Lal Koul, M.K. Jalali, R.K. Pandita, Bansi Lal Zar, Navin Bhushan, C.L. Bhat, Shadi Lal Bhat, Manmohan Thaploo, Pradeep Kaul, H.L. Bhat, Shadi Lal Koul Rais etc.
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