Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 29: In a bid to safeguard ancient temple lands from illegal encroachment, the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act is set to undergo amendments, following a meeting between a delegation from Raghunath Mandir, Kishtwar, and Lieutenant Governor at Raj Bhawan Jammu, as claimed by the former in a press statement.
It said the delegation highlighted with LG Manoj Sinha that pre-1969-70, devotees had generously donated land to Raghunath Mandir Kishtwar and Shiv Mandir Kishtwar, only to see it encroached upon over time.
The delegation members apprised the LG that the encroachers, taking advantage of outdated tenancy laws, illegitimately claimed tenancy and ceased rent payments during the turmoil of 1989-90.
They said hundreds of Kanals of temple land across Kishtwar District was illegally occupied, prompting the delegation to seek a mechanism for eviction.
Assuring action, the Lieutenant Governor affirmed the Government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached land.
He told the visiting delegation that the necessary amendments to the Land Revenue Act will provide legal recourse for eviction and restoration of temple lands. Additionally, directions were issued to evict encroachers from Hangpat Mandir Kishtwar’s land.
The delegation expressed gratitude for the assurance, hopeful that ancient temple lands would be reclaimed for societal welfare.
In other engagements, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met various delegations at Raj Bhawan. As per a statement, Maha Mandleshwar Rameshwar Dass Maharaj discussed pertinent issues.
The Faculty Association of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University presented their concerns.
The Association of Recognized Colleges of Health Sciences thanked the UT Administration for seat approvals in nursing, pharmacy, and paramedical courses.
Former Legislator Peerzada Mansoor highlighted development issues in Anantnag district.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also interacted with the representatives of Pahari Tribe ST Forum from different parts of Rajouri and Poonch districts at Raj Bhawan.
The members of the delegation led by Vinod Gupta expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor-led J&K Administration for fulfilling their commitment and extending the benefits of Scheduled Tribes to the Pahari population.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled ‘Indian Army – A Wall of Peace for Borders of Jammu Kashmir (UT)’, authored by M S Nazki, at Raj Bhawan, extending congratulations to the author.
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