Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 30: The Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) today convened a meeting of its Core Group at Tomal Bohri to take stock of the recent developments affecting the community.
The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of C.L. Pandita, who gave a comprehensive presentation on the wide-ranging programmes undertaken by the Trust for the preservation and promotion of the socio-cultural and religious heritage of the community. Pandita also recalled the recent meeting of the Trust delegation with the Chief Minister and appreciated the latter’s positive and sympathetic response regarding the long-pending passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill, a key demand of the displaced KP community.
The members present termed the Chief Minister’s stand forthright and principled in rejecting a controversial bill proposed by a PDP MLA in the UT Assembly that sought to legalize encroachments on public lands. The Trust observed that, had it been passed, the Bill could have legitimized the forcible occupation of Kashmiri Pandit properties in the Valley and paved the way for the usurpation of temple and shrine assets.
The meeting also chalked out programmes and activities for the forthcoming Chetna Diwas, scheduled for 27th December, a marquee event in the annual calendar of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Sundri Lal Koul, secretary PNBMT, presented a detailed roadmap for the forthcoming months.
Chairman R.L. Pandita, also shared valuable insights on the efficient management and upkeep of temple properties in that region, offering models that could be adopted for better administration of the temples in Kashmir.
Among those who participated included Virender Raina, A.K. Raina, Dr R.L. Bhat, Kuldeep Raina, Kashmiri Lal Bhat, M.M. Thaploo, Bansi Lal Zar, Ramesh Marhatta, Shiban Bhat, and Navin Bhushan. The vote of thanks was proposed by Navin Bushan.
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