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| The Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and religious places (Management and regulation) bill-2009 | | Averting the impending disaster | | Neha
JAMMU, Feb 14: "Nasty" moves are afoot in Jammu & Kashmir to hurt the religious sentiments of the minority community in the state. THE KASHMIRI HINDU SHRINES AND RELIGIOUS PLACES (MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION) BILL-2009, drafted by the NC-Congress coalition government is a step in this direction, says the aggrieved community. It says that this Bill, if adopted and implemented, would establish the control of the state government over nearly 35 ancient temples, located in the Kashmir Valley. The aggrieved community the other day said: "The stated purpose of the Bill is to takeover those Hindu religious places which are in ruins or have been encroached upon due to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pundits. There is no problem with this. But there is no justification whatsoever to include such Hindu Temples and Shrines under the purview of the Bill, which have been functioning normally since decades, and not damaged in any way. Therefore the temples and the religious places which are managed by organizations that are legally-constituted, self-reliant and autonomous should not be brought under the purview of this Bill".
"50 odd Temples, which have survived the turmoil in Kashmir Valley, are managed by the various trusts and other Hindu organizations under most adverse conditions. These religious places also attract thousands of Hindus at large across the world. It would be a great injustice if these religious places are taken over by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Moreover, these organizations and trusts are protected under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. Any attempt to interfere with these temples may invite adverse reaction across the country, specially Jammu province. Therefore, it would be only prudent for the Government to save these Hindu temples by excluding them from the jurisdiction of Bill and earn the goodwill of the Hindus across the world. Any attempt on the part of the government could create a 2008-like situation in Jammu province and rest of the country. If it happens, the results would be disastrous. Statesmanship demands a very careful handling of the sensitivities of the minority community," the aggrieved community leaders also said.
"Respect the sentiments of the Hindus. While the peace is returning in Jammu & Kashmir, the religion of the minority community faces a crisis for survival in the Valley. Sadhus, Sants, Mahants and Trusts protected their temples with the help of local communities throughout the turmoil in the Valley at the risk of their lives. Today the Government's plan to takeover these temples through a piece of legislation. In the interest of the religion of the minority community, we appeal to the Government, Members of the State Legislature and the people of Jammu &Kashmir in particular to ensure that above temples are kept out of the purview of the Bill," they also said.
It is important to note that the said Bill is under consideration of the Select Committee and it is likely to submit to the State Cabinet in the next two-three days so that it is approved and moved in the legislature for adoption. Sources close to the members of the Select Committee suggest that "the Kashmir-based members of the Committee are determined to approve the controversial Bill".
The government would do well to exclude the well-managed temples and shrines, located in Kashmir, to avoid the impending disaster. It is the duty of the majority community to accommodate the religious sentiments of the minority community and one can only hope and pray that a good sense would prevail and the state government exclude from the purview of the 50-odd temples, including the world famous ancient Shankracharya Temple. |
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