JK Govt, 4 others have encroached protected monument: ASI

Jammu, Jan 15 (PTI) The Public Works Department of Jammuand Kashmir government is among the five encroachers of theprotected temple complex of Naranag in Kashmir Valley, theArchaeological Survey of India (ASI) has said.

"Four persons and PWD of J&K government have encroachedand undertaken unauthorised constructions at Naranag monument- a group of temples in Kangan belt of Ganderbal district,"ASI Deputy Superintending Archaeologist said in reply to anRTI query by All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC)here.

Apart from the state PWD, four other persons - HaniefKalash, Abdul Rasheed Akhram, Showkat Ahmed Jaggal and MohmmadDar - have encroached upon the temple complex land, he said.

PWD of the state government has constructed a guest houseon the temple land at Naranag, the official said.

Naranag historic complex of temples, located in theverdant woods of Naranag in Pattan belt of Ganderbal districtin Central Kashmir, was built by King Lalitaditya thousands ofyears ago.

The monument was declared a national monument andundertaken by ASI, Circle Srinagar.

Arun Kandroo, General Secretary of All Party MigrantCoordination Committee, said the authorities of ASI, NewDelhi, have conceded the points raised by the leaders of APMCCabout massive encroachment of shrines and temples in Kashmir.

The ASI authorities in the state have decided to removethe encroachments, he said.