Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: In a significant step towards consolidating cooperation among various Temple Trusts and committees operating in Kashmir, the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) organized a meeting here, today to devise its strategy for passage of much talked about Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill.
The meeting was presided over by B.L. Saraf, District & Sessions Judge (ret) and was attended by key representatives of Temple Trusts from across Kashmir. The participants expressed their unequivocal support for the Temples and Shrines Bill, reaffirming their commitment to the protection and management of these sacred sites.
PNBMT chief spokesman, Virender Raina, provided a comprehensive overview of the Trust’s activities, highlighting the pressing need for the passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill. He emphasized the Bill’s importance in ensuring the security and proper governance of temples in Kashmir, especially in the wake of various challenges faced by these religious institutions.
In his address, B.L. Saraf elaborated on the legal and Constitutional aspects of the proposed Bill. He underscored the necessity of a robust legal framework to safeguard the temples and shrines of Kashmir, stating that a well-defined Legislative mechanism alone would provide the much-needed protection and institutional support for their preservation.
PNBMT Chairman, Roshan Lal Pandita extended vote of thanks. During the meeting, Kashmiri Lal Bhat raised concern over discrepancies in the Government’s recently furnished data regarding temple land holdings in Kashmir. The Trusts were advised to meticulously review their records, verify the accuracy of the Government’s figures, and take appropriate legal measures to rectify any inconsistencies therein. The meeting was attended by representatives of over 20 temple committees across the Valley.
A handout issued by the Trust said that the meeting marked a crucial step in the ongoing movement for the temples and shrines Bill as the Trust continues to rally support from all stakeholders to ensure the protection of Kashmir’s religious heritage.
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