Kashmiri pandits appeal to separatist leader to save their temples

Srinagar, Dec 13 (UNI) Strongly condemning the arrest of a Mahant by the police, the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS) has appealed to separatist leaders, including chairmen of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) to save their temples and other property from being sold by vested interests.

In a statement here this afternoon, president of the KPSS Sanjay Kumar Tickoo alleged that police yesterday arrested Kashmiri pandit Mahant Swami Sudharshan Dass from Shri Krishna temple near here.

He alleged that arrest of Mahant was made under the directions of a businessman who wanted to grab the temple property.

Mr Tickoo alleged that after the arrest of Mahanat by police station Shergarhi, his whereabouts were not yet known.

He further said the Mahant was also not picking up his mobile phone which was a great concern to entire pandit community.

''We have apprehension that the Mahant might be killed and later militants will be held responsible for it,'' he alleged.

Mr Tickoo said temples remained most neglected place in the Valley after the Kashmiri pandits migrated in 1990.

These temples, he said, being manned by caretakers from outside after 1990, are clandestinely selling or passing away the temple properties to others with the help of some members of Hindu community.

He said the fact was brought to the notice of authorities but the sale of such properties continued.

Mr Tickoo said yesterday and today no prayers were held in the temple and devotees were forced to offer puja on the road as the main gate of the temple was locked by police.

''We appeal to Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Shabir Ahmad Shah and others besides members of majority and Kashmiri Pandit community living in the valley to save the temples and other properties of the pandits,'' the statement said.

UNI