Jammu, March 7, (Scoop News)-Several organizations of Kashmir Pandits have expressed dismay and dejection over the unparliamentary behavior and language used by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) lawmaker during the discussion on the Shrines Bill on March 4.
In one of these meetings held under the aegis of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust in Jammu on Friday, the speakers condemned the actual words and body language of BJP legislators Ashok Khajuria and Jugal Kishore, besides Jagdish Raj Sapolia, MLA Basholi used during the discussions on the Bill. Representatives of different Shrines, Kashmiri Hindu Organizations,Welfare Committees, intellectuals and leaders of the community expressed shock and dismay at the repugnant words used by these lawmakers.
Prof M.L Malla, Dr R L Bhat, Dr R K Bhat, Dr P N Trichal H N Jato, V K Kashkari,Dr A N Pandita, D N Kisu, Virinder Raina, H L Bhat, M K Raina, A K Raina, B L Bhat, S L Koul, Shiban Khaibari, Virji Saraf, M K Bambro, M K Wanto, Sundri Lal, Shibanji Saraf, Umeshji, PL Raina, P L Sudeshi, G L Koul, M L Bhat, JL Raina, Anil Pandita, Koul, R K Tikoo, Kumar Ji among others spoke at themeeting at length and expressed their anguish and concern over the language used by these legislators.
The speakers urged the BJP High Command to clarify its stand on Hindu minority of Kashmir when it has been claming to be the custodian of nationalist people in the country.
The meeting was, conducted by H L Bhat. It took stock of the situation arising out of Shrine Bill not getting passed in this session of Legislature which was sent to the Joint Select Committee.
The Bill seeking to put the Hindu shrines of Kashmir under collective management of a democratically elected Shrine Board was opposed by the by the alliance as well as, some opposition parties of Jammu who joined hands to protect the private possession and interests of some individuals in a few temples in Kashmir Valley.
PNBMT spokesperson Dr R L Bhat made it clear that Trust supports the legislation on temples because it says that all Hindus of Kashmir are equal partners in all ancient shrines and temples in Kashmir.
He said It does not allow any person whether one is a Pandit or non-Pandit to keep the temples in private control.
PNBM Trust had contacted the legislators of all parties from Jammu and explained the need and the provisions of the Bill, in separate meetings. The words and intents of the Bill were discussed with them.
They had all agreed that all the Hindus of Kashmir should be treated equally.
The speakers also demanded a probe through sitting Supreme Court Judge into the sale of religious properties in the Valley by some individuals and trusts.
Kashmir Hindu Conference (KHC) which met at Jammu under the chairmanship of M L Thusoo also expressed its anguish over the role of major political parties on the Bill.
KHC convener, P L Koul Badgami said that the community’s sentiments were hurt over the anti role played by BJP which was against the expectations of Kashmiri Pandits and the party has proved that its claim of being a party with difference are totally hollow.
Kashmir Samiti Delhi (KSD) president, Rakesh Kaul, has also expressed his concern over the role played by political parties on the Bill. He said BJP needs to clarify its role as the party played double standards on the Bill.
KPC president, Kundan Kashmiri, also criticized the state government for playing with the sentiments of the community. He said the role of the BJP was also dismal and except PDP and CPI (M), PDF and one independent all parties opposed the Bill which was cause of concern.
Former president KP Sabha and a well known scholar Prof A N Sadhu has also expressed his dismay over the role of political parties on the Bill saying this shows the government’s apathy towards the hapless community.
D N Kissu of All Displaced KP Forum has also expressed his anguish over the role of political parties on the Bill.
Apex Committee member Shiban Ji Pandita also decried the role of coalition over the Bill and said that they have been exposed before the community.
JK Kashyap Bandhu Committee expressed their serious concern over the role of Coalition Government and some opposition parties on Shrines and Temples Bill and termed it a total betrayal by the government which has failed to keep its oft repeated promise in this regard.
All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) has also come down heavily on the attitude of some leaders for aligning with the anti-Hindu parties to sabotage the much awaited Temple and Shrines Bill that was again referred to Joint Select Committee making a mockery of the sentiments of lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus who had pinned great hopes on them.
In a strong worded statement issued here today the leaders of the apex body of Kashmiri Migrants said that it was unfortunate that even BJP legislators opposed the bill vociferously adding it was clear that certain people who have influence, money and power have once again sidelined Kashmiri Pandits reminding them that only note and vote banks matter for politicians.
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