BJP demands introduction of Kashmir temple bill

Alleging destruction and massive encroachments of temples, shrines and their properties in Kashmir valley, BJP today demanded introduction of Kashmir temples and shrines bill to save the religious properties.

"There has been destruction and encroachments of temples, shrines and their properties in valley by anti-social elements. There is an urgent need to save the temples and shrines as a confidence building measures," leader of BJP in the house Chaman Lal Gupta told the state assembly.

He said the government should bring and table the Kashmir temples and shrines bill in the assembly for saving religious properties in the valley.

Lal said the government had brought a concerning conservation, protection and operation of temples and shrines in the valley in 2008 but it did not table it for reasons known to them.

"The time has come to table bill and ensure its passage so that temples and shrines in Kashmir are protected and saved," he said.

The government in the last assembly session had said 171 temples were destroyed or damaged during over two decade long militancy in Kashmir valley.