KPs ask state, central govts for dialogue on Temples Bill

Kashmiri Pandits threatened to launch a nationwide campaign against the state and central governments if they fail to initiate dialogue with agitating APMCC members.

Jammu: Kashmiri Pandits on Sunday threatened to launch a nationwide campaign against the state and central governments if they fail to initiate dialogue with agitating APMCC members in Porbandar, Gujarat over facilitating visit to Shardha Peeth Temple in PoK.

All Parties Migrants Co-ordination Committee (APMCC) chairman Vinod Pandit is on indefinite fast at Porbandar since last 12 days in support of six-point charter of demands of Kashmiri Pandits. Expressing solidarity with the protesting APMCC members at Porbandar, party`s Jammu unit along with various other Kashmiri Pandit organisations appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, and the Union government to intervene into the matter. APMCC members have been protesting at Porbandar since January 30 asking for dialogue with Pakistan for facilitating visit to Sharda Peeth Temple in PoK, establishment of Sharda Peeth University in J&K and probe into alleged multi-crore temple/shrines land encroachment in Kashmir. Their other demands include passing of the Kashmir Temples and Shrines Bill, one time compensation for over-aged migrant Kashmiri Hindu youth and special employment package for non-migrant Hindus of the state. The organisations unanimously urged the government to initiate a dialogue with the APMCC members camping at Porbandar and warned of "dire consequences" if anything untoward happens to Pandit, following his 12 day-long fast. "The government of J&K and UPA government have been taking KP`s for granted and its insensitiveness towards the fast unto death by APMCC Chairman was the proof that it was not bothered about the issues concerning KP`s," they alleged. Meanwhile, a 10-member delegation submitted a joint memorandum to the UN office here pressing for the Six-Point Charter of demands. "If they (govt) can open up borders for trade along LoC with Pakistan, why can`t they take steps to make the visit of Kashmiri Pandits possible to Sharda Peeth, which is our cultural bed rock," ASKPC president Hira Lal Chatta asked. PTI