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| Mela Kheer Bhawani becomes ritualistic occasion for political elite to greet KPs | | From opposition to govt, no one serious towards Shrines Protection bill | |
Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 14: Mela Kheer Bhawani, the annual religious festival of Kashmiri Pandits has become a high point and a ritualistic occasion for politicians of all hues to greet the community with 'warm and open heart', to respect their religious sentiments contrary to how they behave with regard to return talk, not to speak of having a rational view on Hindu Shrines bill which is pending before the legislature for years now. From separatists to mainstream political parties in government and opposition, Kheer Bhawani temple is the only shrine that becomes a centre and confluence of extending warm greetings to the community, as if to fulfil any ritualistic obligation.
Even as the gesture of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and her visit to the Tulla Mulla Shrineon Sunday has been widely hailed by the KP community, her reiteration of about her government's sincere intent to ensure dignified return of the community and efforts to create conducive atmosphere for the state, the community is still waiting for a meaningful gesture of PDP-BJP government to take up the Hindu Shrines Protection bill which NC-Congress coalition government kept aside during all the sessions of legislature in its entire six years rule.
While thousands of the members of KP community from different parts of the country thronged Kheer Bhawani to pay obeisance to the Goddess Ragyna, where the government had made elaborate arrangements at the shrine, they are disappointed at the plight of other temples and religious places which remain either in dilapidated condition or encroached and annexed by unknown elements. " We had a round of the city and went to our villages where we found temples lying in pathetic condition….even in main Srinagar city there are many temples where one can find only the other structure intact but could not get inside as the approach lanes have been closed", said a KP pilgrim.
Like every year, this year too many politicians including ministers of the ruling dispensation made several visits to Kheer Bhawani Shrine on the day of Mela and ahead of the festival to take stock of the arrangements. For others in opposition and separatist leaders, the festival has become a focal point to flash what they contend age old harmony between the two communities, where Muslims extend facilities to KP pilgrims. At a time when the debate and protests are raging from separatists and National Conference as well on the settlement of KPs back in Kashmir, when ruling BJP and PDP have not yet come out openly on the issue, KPs are rightfully asking do the political elite of the state want KPs to remain confined to the 'mode of pilgrims' alone to get warm welcome in Kashmir. |
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