Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: A meeting of an extended Working Committee of the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial spearheading the movement for enactment of the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill, was held here today under the chairmanship of Dr. K. L. Chowdhary.
The meeting attended among others by Dr A N Pandita, Kashmiri Lal, H N Jato, Dr R L Bhat, P N Jalali, B L Pandita, H L Bhat, Virinder Raina, Pradeep Khodbali, Brij Lal Bhat, B L Bhat (Ex-MLC), B L Bhat (JKVM), Dr B L Koul, Jai Kumar, Shadi Lal Rayiis, M L Ganjoo, deliberated upon the meeting with the Chief Minister and the outcome. While it welcomed the Chief Minister’s assurance to immediately implement the standing orders of the J&K High Court to stop sale, purchase and encroachment upon the temple, shrine and religious lands of the Hindus, it expressed concern over the reported moves to incorporate opt out clauses in the Bill.
It appreciated the categorical refusal conveyed to the Chief Minister by the delegation that any opt out clauses or exceptions were not acceptable to the community, reiterated that the community would not stand any attempt to divide the religious heritage of the Minority Hindus of Kashmir. It made clear that the all the temple and shrines in Kashmir must be included and none left out of the preview of the Bill and the Shrine Board to be formed under it. It emphasized that inclusion of all temples and shrines, the democratic election of the Board and non-interference by others were vital points of the Bill on which there would be no compromise.
The meeting also noted that certain suggestions made at the press conference for future course of the community struggle for enactment of the Shrine Bill had got misconstrued. It said when a demand for enforcing protocol and not inviting the Ministers etc. to functions was raised in the press conference by some leaders was clarified by Hiral Lal Bhat, at the very moment that such decisions could not be taken at the press conference.
The meeting reiterated unstinting and resolute support to PN Bhat Trust to carry on the effective articulation of the noble community task and complimented the dharma gurus , community leadership intellectuals and the general public for unity on the common cause.
Follow our WhatsApp channel