Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 30: Pandit Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PPBMT), the nodal organisation for the passage of Temples and Shrines Bill, in a meeting here today resolved to intensify struggle for the passage of Temple and Shrines Bill, so that the last vestiges of Hindu shrines are safegaurded from destruction. The meeting impressed upon the need to restore confidence of minorities of the Valley and underscored, that if the temples and shrines in Kashmir are not protected through a legislation, there will be nothing left the symbols of the Hindus in Valley.
Shiban Khaibri, noted columnist and present chairperson of the Trust, said that it was imperative to pass the bill either through legislation or through an ordinance so that the rampant encroachment of the property of Hindu shrines is stopped. This, he said was the only way to restore diversity and plurality in the Valley of Kashmir. He further said that the need of the hour for all groups of Hindu minorities’ was to close ranks and launch an intense struggle so that this just demand for the preservation of Hindu religious places in Kashmir is accepted. Adding further, he said that the struggle for the passage of Temples and Shrines was a cultural struggle and every political party believing in the values of plurality and diversity should come forward to help in the passage of Temples and Shrines Bill.
Other speakers, who vehemently reiterated the demand for the passage of the Bill included Hira Lal Bhat, M K Bambroo, Dr Arjan Nath Bhat, M K Jalali, M.K Raina, Shadi Lal Kaul, Kashmiri Lal Bhat, Dr Ramesh Bhat, Rohit Bhat, Sanjay Pandita etc.
Sunderi Lal Koul, secretary of the Trust conducted the proceeding of the meeting. Many people drawn from common masses also attended the meeting.