Amid protests over temple 'desecration', J&K govt says property intact

Jammu: Amid protests over the alleged "desecration" of a temple in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, the state government on Friday said an investigation of the shrine's complex has found all its properties "intact".

A team of district officials carried out the examination of the Bhargashakha Bhagwati temple in Mattan area after posts and pictures alleging its "desecration" were uploaded on social networking sites by "mischievous elements", an official spokesman said.

"After investigation and examination of the complex, all the properties were found intact. The main door to the premises was locked and keys handed over to the community members living in the area," the spokesman said.

The Anantnag district administration has also appealed to people to ignore rumours aimed at creating trouble.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri Pandit and Jammu-based organisations today staged protests here over the alleged "desecration".

The organisations, including All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC), Panun Kashmir, Jammu for India, and All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, among others, demanded the registration of an FIR and the constitution of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to take action in the case, which they claimed was "downplayed" by the state government.

"We condemn the incident. We urge the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to order a probe and bring the miscreants involved to book as they are trying to instigate communal tension," APMCC Chairman Vinod Pandit told reporters.

He also demanded adequate security for temples in Kashmir.

National Conference Minority Cell President M K Yogi said: "Being the custodian of the Kashmiri Hindu properties and their worship places, the PDP-BJP government has abdicated its responsibility by giving a long rope to wrong-doers."