Removal of encroachments from temple, shrine land in Hangalgund demanded

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 19: Swami Mirzakak Trust, Hanglagund has expressed concern over the construction of shops on the Trust land in the village.
In a letter to District Development Commissioner (DDC), Anantnag, the Trust demanded immediate restoration of land to the Trust which for times immemorial has been used for the dharmic activities by the villagers.
The said in the premises of this land an ancient shrine of Hangla Devi, a temple and a dharmashalla besides the Samadhis of Swami Mirzakak a mystic saint of medieval Kashmir and his disciple Swami Parkak Ji existed .
The president of the Trust, Bushan Lal Hangloo and its general secretary, Avtar Krishan Pandita have appealed the DDC Anantnag to take the immediate cognizance of the matter. They said Hangalgund was a centrally located village near Kokernag which was inhabited by 80 per cent Hindu population and every year religious functions on the eve of Jag of Swami Mirzakak and his birthday were held in which thousands of devotees drawn from different parts of the Valley were participating. Even for last one decade the annual religious congregation and Maha Yagya is being held at the Samadhi of Swwmai Mirzaka on his annual Jag every year now.
The encroachment of the land belonging to Trust especially for opening of Mutton shops near the temple and shrine of Hangla Devi has been seriously viewed by the Trust and authorities are requested to restore the land to the Trust immediately by maintaining its status quo.
The Trust has also demanded removal of encroachment by some anti social elements on the land and residential plot of some residents in the village immediately.