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| Muslims resonate Hindu concerns over encroached shrines in Valley | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Dec 12 : In a significant development the Muslims of Kashmir valley have also joined their Hindu brethren leading an exiled life for over last 22 years in raising concern over encroachment of land of Hindu religious places in Kashmir valley.
The Pensioners and Senior Citizens Welfare Association and People’s Welfare Society Ganderbal in a one day convention at Kangan yesterday have expressed there grave concern over the encroachment of land belonging to historical Naran Nag temple which is under Archaeological Survey of India. The two Associations during their day long deliberations while discussing various issues concerning the common man in the State as well as senior citizens and pensioners also expressed total dismay over the encroachment of land of this historical shrine and construction of residential houses by land mafia there.
The speakers also took Archeological Survey of India to task for its failure in managing this ancient site which depicts rich architect of ancient Kashmir. In an appeal to the Government the convention urged it to take immediate steps in restoring the land to this shrine and removal of encroachments from there so that its sanctity is maintained. The speakers also demanded to bring the shrine on pilgrimage tourism map of the country and encouraging pilgrimage on the pattern of Mata Vaishno Devi to this famous shrine. It may be recalled that Naran Nag had an ancient stone temple which is in ruins now and the site is under the ASI. But it too has failed to protect the shrine from the clutches of land mafia who ruled roost in Valley during the turmoil. The Naran Nag is also a base camp to pilgrimage to Harmukh Ganga in deep Himalayas and pilgrims visiting the holy shrine earlier used to stay for a night halt at Naran Nag while on their way to Harmukh Ganga pilgrimage.
It may not be out of place to mention here that various KP organizations have already voiced their concern over the encroachment of religious places and shrines in Valley by anti social elements and demanded their immediate restoration.
But with the joining of hands by the Muslim organizations of Valley the movement launched by Kashmiri Pandits for protection of Hindu shrines and temples has gained a momentum as the progressive and well thinking people in Kashmir valley have also realized that encroachment or damage to ancient religious places of Kashmir by anti social elements and land mafia has done a lot of damage to the Valley and its pluralistic character. The Muslims feel that by opening the Hindu shrines for pilgrimage tourism will boost the economy of the people and bring cheerfulness on the faces of the masses in these areas where these shrines are situated.
It is not the Naran Nag but in Beeru area of Budgam district of Kashmir valley that the Muslims have joined their Hindu brethren in removal of encroachment from an ancient religious shrine of Hindus in the area. |
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