Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 11: Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) in its meeting at GLS School Amar Colony, Gole Gujral near here today held under the chairmanship of S Deep Singh expressed grave concern over encroachment of shrines and temples and undermining of religious land in Kashmir valley.
In the meeting attention of the Government was drawn towards reported encroachment of Hanuman Temple land measuring 10 kanals at Kathi Darwaza Srinagar under Khasra number 435 which has been encroached upon by a relative of an Ex Councilor and a house is being constructed on the temple land.
Meeting urged the Government to pass the Bill immediately so that the encroachment upon the temple land and destruction of religious property is stopped forthwith.
Dr R L Bhat, senior vice president JKVM while addressing the meeting informed that survey of nearly 1000 shrines and temples in various parts of Kashmir has been completed and will be published shortly.
Successive speakers at the meeting expressed concern over the delaying tactics of the Government and mainstream parties which in helping land mafia and other criminal elements to destroy the symbols of Hindus of Kashmir.
H N Jatu chief guest said that many Hindus of Kashmir have also been selling or undermining the temples lands and asked community to identify these mal-contents who are in co-hearts with land grabbers.
The speakers exhorted the Trust that while community speaker at Cheetna Divas should present all problems of the community as usual special emphasis be laid on temples and shrines Bill and made clear that all parties should pay attention to this unanimous demand of the community so that it is passed at the earliest.
Among others chairman of the Trust Dr A N Pandita, Dr B L Dhar, Dr Sapru, Rajinder Ji Sharma, M K Raina, M L Ganjoo, Kumar Ji president Amar Colony, Roshan Lal president Govind Nagar and Rajinder Sharma attended the meeting.