Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: Minister of Tourism G A Mir today made it clear that Congress was not averse to passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill lying with Select Committee of Assembly at present.
Talking to a delegation of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, (PNBMT) the Minister said that Congress is not opposed to the Bill for the protection, preservation and maintenance and management of the temples and shrines of the Hindus of Kashmir. PNBM Trust delegation led by H N Jatto, comprised among others of the Dr A N Pandita, Dr R L Bhat, Dr B L Dhar, Virinder Raina, M K Jalali, M K Raina, H N Pandita, S L Koul, Dr T K Bhat, Ramesh Aryan, P L Razdan, Rajinderji,Vibhu Bhat, called on the Minister and demanded the passage of the Bill.
Mr Mir appreciated the concern expressed by the delegation that the land mafia, criminal elements and other vested interests were destroying the temples and shrines of the Hindus of Kashmir.
The delegation told the Minister about the specific instances of the encroachment of the sacred sites of Hindu faith, over the recent months and emphasized that every delay in the passage of the Bill was leading to decimation of this priceless heritage of the Kashmir and was causing great concern in the community. The delegation also pointed out that the whole community was united under the banner of the Trust and saw the passage of the Shrines Bill as a test of the sincerity of the Government to address the concerns of the Hindus of Kashmir as the major Confidence Building Measure.
Mr Mir expressed his support to the Bill and assured the delegation that the Coalition Government was committed to its passage. He said that Hindus of Kashmir were an integral part of the Valley and that the Government would take all measures to ensure that their places of worship in the Valley are protected.
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