Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 14: The entire Hindu community of Kashmir has expressed shock at the fire at Jawala Bhagwati Mandir at Khrew in Pulwama district. Though accidents may not be ruled out, the massive damage to the one of the holiest shrines of Kashmir could well have been anticipated. It may be noted that Jawalaji is the ishtt Deevii of people living in three districts in Kashmir.
Speakers at a meeting organized by the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust at Sharda Colony, Jammu, said that the people were aghast at the lack of fire-fighting arrangements at the holy temple. It was reported that the motor supplying the water for daily use at the shrine on the top of Bhawati hill, had not been working for the last several months and no fire extinguishers had been installed in the shrine, though it is mandatory to make provision against such mishaps.
The meeting held in build up to the Chetna Divas on December 27, 2014 in the auditorium of women’s college Gandhi Nagar was presided over by R K Pandita, retired Principal.
The meeting reiterated the total support of the community of Hindus of Kashmir for the Shrine Bill to ensure that protection and preservation of the temples in the Valley. The speakers said that the fire at the holy shrine of Jawalaji was a warning against the casual attitude of the powers that be towards the need for the preservation of the temple heritage. They demanded that the rebuilding of the shrine should be taken up on a war footing. The ancient module of the shrine should be preserved and not be tampered in the rebuilding which must be immediate and comprehensive, involving the Jawalaji Samiti led by M K Raina which immediately has rushed to the spot. They got busy in salvage work and have restored the Puja at ancient Shila of the shrine.
Meanwhile, M K Raina president Jawalaji Samiti said that the Shrine has been restored for pooja by the karsevkas. He said Samiti will soon start reconstruction of the Shrine by keeping its ancient module intact.
All Parties Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC) while expressing its shock over the unfortunate fire at holy shrine demanded a probe into the matter.
Vinod Pandita president of the APMCC said entire community was shocked to know that the ancient shrine has gutted and there was a lot of resentment in the community. While expressing anguish he demanded a through probe into the matter. He demanded that the Government should rebuild the temple complex immediately.
He said Winter ahs already set in and immediate steps needed to be taken to save the further damage.
KPC also demanded a probe into the fire incident. KPC chief Kundan Kashmiri, C L Gudoo and Dr T K Bhat said they were shocked to know about the gutting of temple.
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