Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 1: A protest rally was taken out here today by Kashmiri Pandits against the delaying tactics of the Government in passage of much talked about Temple and Shrines Bill to safeguard and protect the Hindu shrines in the Valley which are facing threat of complete defacement.
The rally started from the KP Sabha, Ambphalla and marched towards Raj Bhawan where a demonstration was held in support of the demand. Shouting slogans in favour of the passage of Temple and Shrines Bill, the protestors warned to launch a nation-wide agitation. A memorandum was submitted to the Governor seeking his urgent indulgence in the passage of the Bill in the incoming session of the Assembly.
The protest demonstration drew a spontaneous support from all sections of the community. A large number of people including women, children and eminent members of the community participated in it.
Earlier while speaking on the importance of the passage of the Bill noted leaders of the community drew attention of the Government towards continuous encroachment of the Temples and Shrines and other holy places in the Valley. The protest demonstration organised under the aegis of Pandit Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, the nodal organization spearheading the struggle for the passage of the Bill was addressed by Trust spokesperson, Dr R L Bhat who warned the Government that any delay and dilution of the proposed Bill which now has been send to the Select Committee will draw strongest response from the Pandits and Hindus from all over the world.
Ashwani Chrangoo president, Panun Kashmir said that the Bill represents the aspirations of Hindus of Kashmir and it is incumbent upon the State Government to pass it in its original form so that the secular credentials of Omar Government are established to some extent. He warned that it was the most emotive issue involving all Hindus of the country and any delay in its passage will be taken as a grave insult to the religious rights of the community. Dr KL Choudhry noted community leader and author apprised about ominous signals coming from all sides aiming at weakening and effacing the plural culture of the State. He said that the delay and handing over the Bill to the Select Committee proves that the Government is not sincere at safeguarding the religious rights of the Hindus of Kashmir.
President KP Sabha, Ambphalla K K Khosa lambasted both Congress and BJP for maintaining a criminal silence on the issue of the Temples and Shrines Bill. Brij Lal Bhat, President Jawala Jee Trust M K Raina, Dr RL Shant, Prof P N Trichal, D N Kissu, Prof A N Sadhu, H L Jad, President Pandit Prem Nath Trust Dr. A N Pandita, Prof A N Sadhu, Ramesh Hangloo, Virender Raina Hira Lal Bhat and Dr Ramesh Bhat also addressed the demonstration.
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