Neha
JAMMU, Feb 18: The demand of Kashmiri Hindus seeking protection and preservation of their temples and shrines in the Valley is as reasonable as it deserves immediate consideration. The Temple Bill 2009 must be adopted in the current assembly session provided the internally-Kashmiri Hindus endorse it. They are the sole factor in the situation and it is their age-old demand. If the state government adopts a bill that satisfied the aspirations and religious sensitivities of the Kashmiri Hindus it would be appreciated by one and all. It is the constitutional duty of the state government not to interfere in the religious affairs of the people, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Shiite Muslims and so included as Jammu & Kashmir State is an integral part of the Indian State which is a secular state and which considers religion the private affair of the citizens.
At the same time, the Kashmiri Hindus are required to recognize the contribution of the Dogras and others to the religious and cultural heritage of Kashmir. There should not be any demand made by any Kashmiri Hindu that seeks to undermine the various trusts and social and religious organizations which have been maintaining various old temples and shrines without getting any official support. Why should the temples like Shankracharya, Mata Khir Bhawani, Mata Jeshta Devi, Shri Gadadhari Ji, Shri Raghunath Ji, Shri Sharika, Ashta Bhairon and Shri Shardha Ji and so on be brought under the ambit of the controversial Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulations) Bill 2009 that divided the Hindu society? Besides, why should a Kashmiri Hindu trust accuse those who want the Dogra heritage in Kashmir not to come under the purview of the Temples Bill as vested interests and as someone who want to sabotage the "purpose and spirit of the Bill...by opposing it"?
The Dogras, like the Kashmiri Hindus, have every right to fight like the Kashmiri Hindus are fighting for the protection and preservation of their shrines and temples. By insisting on the imposition of their will these elements in the Kashmiri Hindu community are only creating a bad blood within the Hindu community and such approach must be eschewed in the larger interest of the community, which is already at the receiving end. There is no need to reflect on this aspect as everyone is aware of the whole situation.
It is hoped that good sense would finally prevail and all concerned would work together to ensure that no government dares to interfere in the religious affairs of any community, the Muslim community included. |
