Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 17: The Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) convened a significant meeting today to discuss a pivotal ruling by the Division Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The court’s decision to consolidate all matters related to the protection of temples and their properties in the Kashmir Valley was a Central topic of discussion.
The meeting said the High Court’s move comes in the wake of the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the region in 1990, during which numerous temples and their properties were vandalized, and lands were usurped by land mafias. This ruling is seen as a crucial step towards safeguarding the remaining heritage and religious sites in Kashmir.
PNBMT is dedicated to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Through various initiatives and events, the Trust strives to safeguard the historical and spiritual landmarks in the Kashmir Valley and through its efforts has been able to create a global consciousness for the protection preservation and reclamation of the priceless heritage of Kashmir.
Chairman C.L. Pandita remarked, “The initiative of individual temple managements to undertake repair and maintenance of the temples in Kashmir is a positive step. This effort will help preserve some temples until the Temples and Shrines Bill is passed.
Retired Sessions Judge B.L.Saraf also addressed the gathering, stating, ” the passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill remains essential for the comprehensive protection of the shrines and temples of Kashmir. “In addition to the discussions on temple protection, the members also reviewed plans for the forthcoming Amateur Journalist Award event. This prestigious award, instituted by PNBMT three decades ago, recognizes outstanding contributions in Amateur journalism. The Awards Committee is set to convene soon to shortlist this year’s awardees.
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