 EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Jan 20: Alleging government's total non-action on Temple Bill for preservation of temples in Kashmir, Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT), nodal organization for bill for temples and the shrines of Hindus, said that unfortunately the administration is still refusing to accept the fact.
Addressing a press conference here today, members of PNBMT said that all political and social organizations of Hindus of Kashmir, all shades and opinions, came together for preservation of temples in Kashmir.
"They entrusted Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust to wage a united struggle for enactment of the Temple Bill. We have the satisfaction that we waged a coordinated struggle with the help of all these constituents. PNBMT produced a consensus Bill for preservation of these temples," they said.
However, the Temple bill is still waiting, while JK became UT and other laws are being enacted regularly, they added.
"PNBMT also did a huge groundwork for the Bill. We produced a directory of temples titled Hindu Shrines of Kashmir. It was authored by R L Bhat with 58 activists and source persons from all districts of Kashmir. It lists 1400 Temples and Shrines in ten districts of Kashmir. Today more than half of them stand destroyed," they said.
The members further said that PNBMT delegations consisting of prominent members, social activists and intellectuals met BJP, NC, Congress, PDP and NPP leaders.
"The delegations met Chief Ministers, Ministers and Presidents of all parties and convinced them of the need of the Temple Bill. They all assured us that it would be passed. A select committee of legislators was formed and we presented the case for Temple Bill, on the lines of Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, before the members. The committee was convinced of the need. A full day of Assembly was reserved to pass it. Unfortunately, the core sympathizers of Bill betrayed and the bill is still pending," they said.
Meanwhile, temples in Kashmir are being destroyed, demolished and burnt down and temple land encroached on a daily basis, they added. |
