Kashmiri Pandits join protests against shifting of Dogra artifacts

Jammu, Dec 26 (UNI) Shifting of Dogra ruler's artifacts from Mubarak Mandi palace complex to the Civil Secretariat has kindled displeasure among several political and social groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) today joined hands with other political and social organisations, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, Dogra Liberation Front (DLF), in the protest against the shifting of Maharaja's treasure worth Rs 11,000 crore.

In a statement issued here, APMCC -- a conglomeration of 18 political,trade, industry youth and social bodies of displaced KPs -- accused the Congress-led state government of hatching a conspiracy and demanded a judicial probe into the fire incident at Tosha Khana in Mubarak Mandi palace complex and subsequent shifting of Dogra artifacts.

''We also demand immediate shifting of artifacts of erstwhile Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir to Kala Kendra House of the Art Culture and Heritage Centre,'' APMCC chief Vinod Pandit said.

''Kala Kendra is the best place to house the Dogra artifacts and should be opened for visitors,'' he said.

Various political parties, including locals, protested outside the Mubarak Mandi Complex against the shifting of treasure.

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