Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: A meeting of Shri Martand Tirath Trust was held today under the leadership of its president A K Sidha in which grave concern was expressed over the desecration of the most revered and ancient temple of presiding deity Mata Bharg Shikha Bhagwati located at hilltop of Martand Tirah, Mattan Kashmir.
During the meeting general secretary Salegram Bawnoo and all the participants while condemning the act said the issue was brought in the notice of district administration and also the higher ups in the Government by the Sabha through Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, A R Veeri.
It said Veeri asked the district administration to take immediate action in this regard. Later a team of district authorities led by Additional Deputy Commissioner along with Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar and SHO Mattan visited the temple premises for an on the spot assessment and lodged a FIR in this connection.
The meeting was informed that the district administration has assured the strict action against the culprits who are hell bent to disturb the communal harmony with such acts. The meeting said the action of miscreants has hurt the sentiments of Hindus in general and Martand Biradri in particular.
Meanwhile Kashmiri Hindu Conference (KHC) president advocate M L Thusu and its convener P L Koul Budgami have also expressed their shock over the act and said that this shows that the situation is going out of control of government. They demanded that Government should act against such elements with heavy hand and ensure the safety of religious places and shrines in Valley with formation of Shrine Board as demanded by Pandits.
Independent candidate from Parliamentary Constituency of Anantnag Rakesh Koul and Jagti Tenement Committee president Shadi Lal Pandita have also strongly condemned the act and demanded security to Hindu shrines in the Valley.
They accused the Government of its failure in protecting the religious places and demanded immediate passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill.
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