Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) and Panun Kashmir (PK) have expressed serious concern over the recent burning of the centuries-old Shiv temple in Gulmarg, Kashmir. Chairman PNBMT, C.L.Pandita and president of Panun Kashmir, Virender Raina, have condemned the incident, which has deeply shocked the Kashmiri Pandit and Hindu communities worldwide.
Gulmarg, renowned for its scenic beauty, attracts a large number of visitors annually. The gutting of this historic temple has thus resonated deeply, causing widespread dismay among devotees and tourists alike.”This incident is a grave matter that warrants a thorough investigation to uncover the cause,” stated C.L. Pandita. “We must determine whether this was an act of vandalism or an accident”.
The preservation and protection of our temples are paramount, as they represent the enduring legacy of Kashmir’s glorious civilization.”For over two decades, PNBMT has actively campaigned for the preservation and protection of Kashmir’s temples. These historic structures are not only places of worship but also symbols of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Trust strongly advocates for an institutional mechanism to safeguard these treasures, including the urgent enactment of the Temple and Shrines Bill to ensure their protection, preservation, and reclamation.
The burning of the Shiv Temple underscores the pressing need for legislative and community action to preserve Kashmir’s religious and cultural sites. PNBMT calls upon the authorities and the people to support these efforts and to work collectively to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) has also expressed its shock and concern over the burning of Hindu temple at tourist resort of Gulmarg in North Kashmir and demanded a probe into the matter.
In a statement president of the Sabha, K K Khosa said that entire community as well as Hindu Samaj all over globe is pained over the incident. He said the temple was regularly visited by the devotees especially the tourists visiting this world famous tourist spot. He said the Government should order a probe into the matter.
All Displaced Kashmiris United Front (ADKUF) has also expressed shock over the burning of temple at Gulmarg and demanded a probe into the matter.
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