KP delegation meets Sheikh Nazir, discusses Shrines Bill

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21: A delegation of Kashmiri Pandits called on senior NC leader and party general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmed here and sought his intervention in passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Bill which is lying with Select Committee of State Assembly at present.
The delegation led by Dr Ramesh informed the NC leader that the condition of various Hindu Shrines in Valley is very bad as they could not be managed during 23 years of turmoil properly. Besides land mafia has either encroached the shrines land in different parts of Valley or sold it which has led to a lot of resentment among the community.
The delegation said that a Shrine Board on the pattern of Waqaf  Board and Gurdwara Prabhandak Board was the need of hour to safeguard these shrines from the hands of land mafia and unscrupulous elements. It said the Hindu Shrines of Valley are the cultural monuments and their safety and security was must to preserve the ancient architect of the Valley for posterity.
The Party MP from Anantnag and Pulwama Parliamentary Constituency Dr Mehboob Beg was also present in the meeting who also supported the demand and said that NC initiated the process in this regard way back in 2006 and the Party was committed to passage of the Bill.
Sheikh Nazir assured the delegation that he will take up the issue with the Chief Minister so that the Bill is passed as early as possible while assuring the full support on behalf of the party to the community in this regard.