Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 6: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC) Government, accusing it of total neglect and insensitivity towards the long-pending issues of encroached and desecrated Hindu temples, cremation grounds, and other sacred sites in the Valley.
Rajni Sethi, spokesperson, J&K BJP, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, media secretary and Ankit Gupta, spokesperson, also strongly condemned the NC Government for neglect of cultural and spiritual preservation, while addressing a press conference at party Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, here, today.
Rajni Sethi, said that J&K is the pride of the nation, known for its composite and vibrant culture, yet it continues to bear the scars of neglect under the present NC regime. She said that ‘1990s terrorism’ displaced thousands and led to the desecration and encroachment of countless temples and sacred properties. Sadly, after 12 months in power, the NC Government has shown no visible progress in addressing these wounds, she said.
Sethi said that temples like Hari Parbat, Bohra Mandir (Bohri Kadal), Sheetal Nath Mandir, and Shiv Mandir Baramulla remain in neglected condition, while cremation grounds at Karan Nagar, Baghat Barzula Srinagar, Kripal Mochan Sopore, and Shopian continue to face encroachment. She demanded that the NC Government immediately formulate a time-bound roadmap to identify, retrieve, and restore all encroached temple lands.
Dr. Pardeep Mahotra said that Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with spiritual depth and immense tourism potential. He said that tourism serves as a vital lifeline for J&K’s economy, generating employment and supporting local enterprises. While Modi Government and LG administration took decisive steps, extended liberal grants and adopted zero-tolerance policy on terrorism to boost tourism on industry pattern, NC Government displayed utter lack of seriousness in supplementing these efforts, he said.
Ankit Gupta said that CM Omar Abdullah came to power promising change and progress, but a year later, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still waiting. He said that the Government must act now and transparently identify projects under the Heritage Conservation and Religious Infrastructure Scheme.
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