Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust convened a meeting of its Core Group today to address the ongoing issue of encroachment upon properties belonging to Kashmiri Pandit temples in the Kashmir region. C L Pandita, chairman of the Trust, expressed deep concern regarding the matter, particularly highlighting a recent case of encroachment upon the land of Shiva Bhagwati Ashram Akingam in Anantnag district.
Pandita said the then Maharaja had allocated 90 canals of land, encompassing survey numbers 775, 776, and 768, in favor of the Ashram in Akingam. This land included the Ashram’s compound, cremation ground, and forested areas. Pandita further disclosed that one land grabber from the area had encroached upon three canals of the Ashram’s land, while another party, had encroached upon one canal of the same land. Despite multiple complaints and petitions submitted to the concerned authorities, no action has been taken. Under the law, the District Magistrate of Anantnag is the custodian, as per Section 4 of the Migrant Act, and possesses the authority to promptly reclaim this land. Shiva Bhagwati Ashram holds immense cultural and religious significance as a prominent pilgrimage center in Anantnag district within the Kashmir valley.
Pandita also shed light on another distressing case of encroachment and illegal occupation of cremation land by a Government agency in Khriman Ganesh Raina Wanpoh, measuring 20 canals and three marlas. This land rightfully belongs to the displaced Hindu community of the village and is recorded as ‘Shamshan Bhumi’ under Khasra Girdawari No. 407 in the Revenue records of Anantnag district. Shree Vinayak Prabandhak Committee represents the duly elected body of the displaced community in the village.
Pandita appealed to the authorities to take immediate action to rectify these encroachments upon Pandit lands in Kashmir and protect the sacred heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit Community.
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