KP Orgs decry ‘desecration’ at Chakreshwari temple

Jammu, April 06: An extraordinary meeting of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations—including temple trusts and social bodies—was held at the Kheer Bhawani Temple Complex in Janipur, Jammu on Sunday. The community expressed deep anguish over the recent blasphemous incident and slander campaign concerning the Chakreshwari Temple at Deviangan, Srinagar, which occurred on March 30.
A statement issued here said that the participants unanimously condemned the disruptions that took place on the auspicious day of Navreh, including the interruption of prayers by miscreants. Such actions were described as deeply disrespectful to the sanctity of the shrine.
“The members resolved that the issue is being internally investigated by the Kashmiri Pandit community and will be addressed amicably, with the truth shared publicly in due course. Until then, the religious organisations appealed to the wider community to remain calm, united, and refrain from inflammatory social media activity, which is further wounding community sentiments,” the statement said. “They strongly denounced the spreading of falsehoods, calling it not only shameful but also an attack on the democratically and constitutionally managed Kashmiri Pandit institutions. The statement underscored that no individual or group is above the law and called upon the UT Government not to legitimise or support such disruptive elements.”
The statement said the participants also rejected any government move to interfere in the affairs of the Chakreshwari Shrine. Citing past grievances, they referenced the continued non-restoration of the Bairav Mandir at Chatabal, Srinagar, as well as unresolved issues concerning temple assets in Gulmarg and Rainawari, where encroachments persist despite court orders. A team of Kashmiri Pandits will soon be announced to oversee the investigation and resolution process. Those present included: Ravi Jogi (ZDPC), Amit Parimo (ZDPC), Ramesh Khuda (ZDPC), Vikram Koul (KP Volunteers), Roshan Lal (KP Volunteers), Upinder Handoo, CA (GMPS), B.L. Raina (GMPS), B.L. Jalali (RKPAC), Rakesh Hangloo (RKPAC), Surinder Koul (RKPAC), Sanjay Dhar (Sharika Foundation), Sharan Dhar (Sharika Foundation), M.K. Koul (ASKPC) and Sunil Shangloo (ASKPC).