[Reader-list] The Talibanisation of India

[Shivam Vij शिवम् विज्]

> Pandits allege that some in the Dharmarth Trust management want to sell off
> the property of the temple, valued at Rs 300 crore.

Sadly, things haven't moved forward on this. Perhaps Kashmiri Pandit
groups should protest against fellow Kashmiri Pandits who are selling
off temple properties.

best
shivam

On Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 5:32 PM, Aditya Raj Kaul
<kauladityaraj at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hope something is done to address this issue.
>
>  - Aditya Raj Kaul
> Campaign Blog - www.kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Nishant Dudha <nishant.dudha at gmail.com>
> Date: Feb 22, 2008 3:31 PM
> Subject: Fwd: The Talibanisation of India
>
>
>
> Regret that this document is lengthy. However, it contains some important
> facts and figures which should be available to each and every thinking
> Indian irrespective of their religion to let them know what a scourge
> Minortyism is and the potential it has for destroying our social fabric
> and fuelling the growth of Hindu Fanaticism.
>
> If you do not know me well enough or have not received any mails from me in
> a long time, the reason why this comes your way is because I reckon, this
> impacts us all.
>
> Cheers!
> Nishant
>
> *Copies of this memo have been forwarded to the President and Prime Minister
> of India as also to the members of the Indian Parliament for their
> information and necessary action.*
>
>
>
> *Letter to Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir State*
>
>
>
> *THE HINDU JAGRAN FORUM-USA*
>
> 3145  Gilbert Avenue, Roseburg, OR (USA)  97470
>
>
>
>
>
> Subject: *Massive destruction of temples in J&K amounts to state sponsored
> Talibanization of the state:  These religious structures must be protected
> against the predatory & illegal Sales, demolition and Vandalism and a Waqf
> like Hindu Board be formed for their upkeep and governance.*
>
>
>
>           Hon'ble Chief Minister Azad,
>
>
>
>          Through this memo we would like to express our deep
> disappointment, indignation and out right condemnation on behalf of a
> billion members strong worldwide Hindu fraternity about the self
> induced "*tactical
> failure*" of the successive J&K governments in protecting the Hindu
> community of Kashmir. Encouraged by the anti-secular, anti-minority and
> Mogul like discriminative policies of the state government. Now these
> Islamists,
> who drove the non-Muslims out of the Kashmir region, have embarked upon the
> illegal sale of Hindu temples and their properties.
>
>
>
>        All these criminal activities by the Islamists represent the
> extension of their foreign inspired "*civilizational* *war*" undertaken to
> remove all traces of the historical Hindu past in the vale of Kashmir.
> Massive protests by the remaining less than 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits in the
> valley against criminally altering the socio-cultural complexion of Kashmir
> has been of no avail. On the contrary these extremely vulnerable non-Muslim
> Kashmiris have been exposed to serious threats by a very powerful "*Islamic
> Land Mafia*" that if they do not stop protesting they would face dire
> consequences like the rest of the exiled Pandit community.
>
>
>
>            We have been given to understand that powerful interests in the
> Muslim dominated State Legislature including the *Islamic Land Mafia*,
> scuttled the legislation that was supposed to stop the illegal sale and/or
> destruction of Hindu religious structures. Despite the state
> government's "*verbal
> assurances*" to protect temples & their properties nothing has been done to
> save them. Even the promise to bring in legislation during the recent
> assembly session to prevent sale of such properties was not fulfilled and
> the legislature was allowed to adjourn sine die without the introduction of
> the promised bill (attachment A). Obviously the assurance by the state
> authorities has simply proved to be yet another tactic for buying time and
> doing nothing.
>
>
>
> *          1) Govt. re-built Cherar-e-Shareef why not Hindu temples?*
>
>          Chief Minister Azad when the Pakistani and indigenous Islamic
> terrorists burnt and destroyed the holy shrine at Cherar-e-Shareef
> responding to the public outcry the Indian as well as Kashmir governments
> agreed to rebuild the shrine. Thereupon a team of engineering specialists
> was detailed to visit some of the major Islamic states in Central Asian
> region for examining their mosques in an attempt to select one of the best
> of them as a model for building the new shrine at Cherar-e-Shareef. In the
> final analysis that is exactly what was done. Based on this experience the
> question that arises now is: if the officials could go to that extent for
> pleasing and or appeasing the Muslim community why can't they re-build Hindu
> temples destroyed in the wake of ethnic cleansing unleashed by the local and
> foreign Jihadists?
>
>
>
> *          2) Govt. Talibanizing everything in Kashmir:*
>
>            The former J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's public
> declaration describing Hari Parbat as *'Koh-i-Maran'* in 2005 could only be
> termed as a shot in the arm of '*talibanization*' by the coalition
> government. It is believed that the misguided Congress party has been
> extending its tacit and  full support to the People's Democratic Party (of
> Mehbooba Mufti) – the political outfit that has been aggressively engaged in
> systematically destroying the symbols of historical importance, cultural
> pluralism and talibanizing everything in Kashmir,"  (attachment B).
>
>
>
> *          3) Hindu temples being destroyed on at an unprecedented  Scale:*
>
>           The process of desecration, loot, vandalizing and destruction of
> temples has continued under the anti-Hindu Islamic rule through generations
> with intent to wipe out all traces of religious and cultural symbols of
> Hindus. These targets besides the temples included libraries, universities
> and ashrams. After India achieved freedom and Kashmir acceded to the Union
> of India in 1947 the destruction and desecration of temples under the new
> Islamic regimes wearing secular turbans received added impetus and
> acceleration. Temple lands, cremation grounds, etc. of Hindus were usurped
> and utilized for expansion of the Islamic populace. The famous Bhairavnath
> temple of Chattabal, Srinagar was locked up by the police. The judicial case
> pending in court concerning this temple was never allowed to be decided.
> Precious lands around Hari Parbat hill, Durganag temple of Srinagar and
> lands at several Hindu places of worship in the Valley were slowly and
> steadily turned into lands under occupation of the Muslim trusts
> (Maqboozai-Ahali-Islam).
>
>
>
>          In 1967, Shivala temple, Chotta Nazar, Srinagar was desecrated.
> Again in 1984 Shri Hanuman temple at Hari Singh High Street was damaged and
> in the same year Arya Samaj temple of Wazir Bagh, Srinagar was burnt down.
> In view of the Islamic fundamentalist conspiracy against Hindus in general
> and unqualified support for their plans from across the border, the law and
> order situation in the Valley since 1986 deteriorated progressively and
> temple desecration became the order of the day. Here are some of the glaring
> examples that defy and shred into a million pieces the tall claims made by
> the Muslim leaders of Kashmir about their dedication and adherence to
> nationalism, multiculturalism, secularism, Kashmiriyat and religious
> freedom:
>
>
>
>          A)  In February 1986 some 39 temples were destroyed in Anantnag,
> Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara and Baramula districts (attachment C).
>
>
>
>          B) From 1987 to 1990 at least fifteen temples were destroyed
> (attachment C).
>
>
>
> *          C) Temples desecrated and damaged in Kashmir from 1990 to
> December 1992*   (attachment C)
>
> 1. DASHNAMI AKHARA, SRINAGAR
> 2. GANPATYAR TEMPLE
> 3. RAGHUNATH MANDIR, SRINAGAR
> 4. SHIVA TEMPLE, JAWAHAR NAGAR, SRINAGAR
> 5. HANUMAN MANDIR, SRINAGAR
> 6. SHIVA TEMPLE, BARBAR SHAH, SRINAGAR
> 7. JAI DEVI TEMPLE, BIJBEHARA
> 8. VIJESHWAR TEMPLE, BIJBEHARA
> 9. SHIVA MANDIR, BIJBEHARA
> 10. RAGHUNATH TEMPLE, ANANTNAG
> 11. GAUTAM NAG TEMPLE, ANANTNAG
> 12. THREE TEMPLES OF LUKHBHAVAN, LARKIPURA, ANANTNAG
> 13. WANPOH MANDIR, ANANTNAG
> 14. SHAILPUTRI TEMPLE, BARAMULLA
> 15. DAYALGAM MANDIR, ANANTNAG
> 16. BHAIRAVANATH MANDIR, BARAMULLA
> 17. BHAIRAVANATH MANDIR, SOPORE
> 18. RUPABHAVANI MANDIR, VASAKURA
> 19. KHIRBHAVANI MANDIR, GANDERBAL
> 20. SHIVA TEMPLE, GANDERBAL
> 21. MATTAN TEMPLE, ANANTNAG
>
>
>
>          D) The *Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri M.M. Jacob
> disclosed in the Lok Sabha on 12-3-1993 that 38 Hindu places of worship were
> damaged in J&K state, 13 in 1989, nine in 1990 and 16 in 1991.*
>
>
>
>          E) There are reports of further destruction of some 39 temples in
> Kashmir after December 6, 1992 for which FIR were filed (attachment C).
> Please note that FIRs on all destruction cases were not filed with the
> authorities in view of the complicity of the administration and warnings of
> retaliation against the complainants by the Islamic terrorists.
>
>
>
>          F) According to local eye witnesses accounts there were additional
> 38 temples that were vandalized after December 6, 1992 (attachment C)
>
>
>
>          These examples represent only a fraction of the systematic mass
> destruction of temples in J&K after independence of India when the Islamists
> assumed the total and unfettered control of the state.
>
>
>
>            *4) The Indian Parliament adopted a law in 1991 specifically
> requiring that* – "the status of religious places, as on August 15, 1947
> shall be retained". This pre-emptive measure was taken by the national
> legislature anticipating possible dishonorable designs of trouble makers and
> anti- national elements in various administrations. A faithful
> implementation of these laws will require assuring the security and
> restoration of the community based management of Hindu temples and their
> estates.
>
>
>
>          Sayeed had on June 20 described Hari Parbat as *'Koh-i-Maran'* and
> a ministerial colleague of his had called Shankaracharya Hill *'Sulaiman
> Teng'*. Have these short sighted Jihadis ever imagined as to what might
> happen if the Indian nation, which is more than 83% Hindu, was to enforce
> similar communal, vindictive and religious based punitive policies in India
> and start undoing what the successive tyrannical Islamic regimes have done
> to the Hindu nation? From that stand point aren't these fundamentalist,
> irresponsible street politicians playing with the lives and welfare of the
> 140 million Muslims of India?
>
>
>
> *          5) Mr. Chief Minister, government's indifference towards the
> temple security and their functioning has been termed as its support to
> persecution of Hindus and denial of their freedom of religion:*  Govt. must
> realize that the temples and their endowments have been built over the
> centuries by our forefathers and therefore, it is the community which is
> their real owner and which must have the final say in the management and
> utilization of temple resources.
>
>
>
>          Under the present circumstances it is obligatory upon the Govt. as
> envisaged by the above referred Act passed by the Indian Parliament to
> maintain the integrity of religious entities as it stood in 1947. Any
> deviation from that will clearly be violation of the national law and the
> will unambiguously expressed by the Indian Parliament. Therefore, it is
> incumbent upon the Govt. to restore all the destroyed, vandalized, looted
> and desecrated temples and their properties to their glory as it existed in
> 1947 and hand them over to the Hindu community. Any thing less than that
> will be unacceptable.
>
>
>
> *          6) Formation of a Waqf like autonomous Hindu Board for temples
> governance under the Hindu community's guidance:*  Mr. Chief Minister, we
> strongly believe that for social issues, religious affairs, community
> services and temple administration there must be a representative and an
> autonomous Hindu Board with full jurisdiction over temple governance and
> management. Accordingly we suggest that the representatives of shrines,
> temples, Hindu community and state and national religious leaders, be
> motivated to convene an assembly where they could be asked to take charge of
> clearly defining legal and religious framework for the community governance
> of temples and other religious places in the state.  Since the universal
> right of freedom to manage religious places is available to the Muslim
> community which constitutes the majority in your state, there is absolutely
> no justification to deny it to Hindus?
>
>
>
> *          7) The Govt. must make room for community's vital role in the
> interim temple management through Hindu Advisory Councils:*  Such Councils
> could play a role in oversight and decision making process of the endowments
> department and temple Trusts, where Councils elected or nominated by the
> Community and state and national religious leaders could shoulder these
> responsibilities.  Additionally these Councils could also stop desecration
> and decimation of the religious infrastructure by bringing these issues to
> the notice of the Govt. and the public, and till an autonomous Board is
> constituted for taking over the charge, like the Waqf Board.
>
>
>
> *          8) Hindus as a minority community in J&K need and must get
> special protection:* In view of the internationally recognized ethnic
> cleansing and genocide of Hindus in Kashmir it would have been most
> desirable if the J&K Govt. had brought into play a policy of special
> protection as well as financial support to the Hindus who are in a minority
> - on the same basis as Muslims are allowed in the rest of India.  We regret
> to say that Hindus have been effectively cleansed out of the Kashmir Valley,
> disenfranchised and now the focus seems to be on cleansing them out of Jammu
> as well. The calculated lack of action by the state in this regard seems to
> effectively contribute to the realization of the Jihadists objectives of the
> talibanization of the state.
>
>
>
> *          9) Chief Minister Azad, for a starter may we request your urgent
> attention for protecting Hindu temples and Hindu community properties* from
> illegal sales and  encroachment by urgently passing the Kashmiri Hindus
> shrines and religious places Bill and take other administrative measures
> like formation of a Waqf- like Hindu Board for their protection,
> preservation and development. This will be in keeping with: a) high
> standards of ethics, b) norms and practices in all open and democratic
> societies; and, c) the secular Constitution of India.
>
>
>
>          Needless to say that inaction by the state and continuing
> demolition of Hindu religious infrastructure carries with it a serious
> potential for a backlash with possibility of horrific consequences. The
> privileges enjoyed by the Muslims as a minority community in India could
> also become a subject matter of controversy if Hindus are continually
> persecuted in the Muslim majority J&K state. It is also relevant to point
> out that most of the budgetary expenditures in the J&K state are gifted by
> the Indian Govt. with taxes mostly paid by Hindus. Surely these taxpayers do
> not fund the Kashmir Govt. so it could destroy Hinduism and achieve forced
> talibanization of the state.
>
>
>
>          Thank you Mr. Chief Minister and we are looking forward to your
> response and prompt action towards resolving this explosive situation.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
>
>
> Dr. Jagan Kaul
> Krishan Bhatnagar
> Hindu Jagran Forum (USA)
>
> email: *krishan.kb at verizon.net
> *February 21, 2008
>
>
>
> ============================================================
>
>
>
> Attachment A
>
>
>
> *J&K temples being sold, allege Pandits **
> **
> *Kavita Suri
>
> Statesman, Feb 11, 2008
>
>
> JAMMU, Feb. 10: Kashmiri Pandits allege that the Muslim-majority government
> in Jammu and Kashmir is ignoring illegal sale of Hindu temples and other
> community properties in the state.
> Less than 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits who live in the Kashmir valley say that
> their resistance to sale of temple properties has exposed them to threats
> from a very powerful land mafia. Pandits allege they have been warned
> against protesting, or face the consequences.
>
>
> These Pandits say that despite the state government's "verbal assurances" to
> protect temple properties, nothing is being done to save them. A promise to
> bring in legislation during the recent assembly session to prevent sale of
> such properties was not fulfilled. To the disappointment of Pandits, the
> legislature was adjourned sine die without introduction of the bill.
>
>
> The Pandits say there is more to the non-introduction of the Bill than meets
> the eye. They claim that powerful interests, including a land mafia,
> scuttled the legislation.
>
>
> The ground realities in Kashmir are alarming. The Dharmarth Trust headed by
> Dr Karan Singh has locked up an ancient and historical temple Ram jee of
> Barbar Shah. This is the first time in its known history that the temple has
> been locked. Security forces living in the adjacent dharmashala have been
> told not to enter the temple precincts.
>
>
> "For all these years, it was a routine with us, the few Kashmiri Pandits
> living in the Valley, to come here every Sunday for a get-together, make
> prasad and distribute it among devotees. But the trust management, with the
> help of the state government, locked up the temple and no one has been
> allowed to enter for the past month," said Mr Vijay Sas of the Kashmiri
> Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS), Kashmir.
>
>
> Pandits allege that some in the Dharmarth Trust management want to sell off
> the property of the temple, valued at Rs 300 crore. In fact, some of them
> allege that the property will be sold to an influential Muslim living in the
> Valley. The property located just across the Rambagh Bridge and opposite the
> Metrological Department is at a prime location.
>
>
> Inside the huge plot of land, there is an ancient Shiva temple, said to be
> around 1200 years old. The lingam is said to be more than 8.5 feet high.
>
>
>
> The KPSS filed a PIL in the Supreme Court and was asked to file a fresh case
> in the concerned High Court. A case is already pending in the High Court of
> Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar Wing.
>
>
> "Since January 2008, another incident of sale of our religious and community
> property has surfaced in Kashmir. It is the sale of DAV School in Rainawari
> by one Roshan Lal Raina who was just a teacher in that school but turned
> into a broker," said Mr Sas.
>
>
>
> Pandits allege that the sale took place at the behest of an influential
> official attached to the Director-General of Police, J&K.
>
>
> "KPSS has taken the legal course in the matter but we are worried," said a
> displaced pandit. But they hope the court will intervene and stay the sale
> of temples.
>
>
> "The problem is that the national media is not interested in the story while
> the local Muslim-majority media does not care," said Mr Sas.
>
>
> "If the government fails to bring a Bill in the ongoing session of the state
> Assembly to ban sale of temples and other religious properties, we will
> proceed on a fast unto death," KPSS president Mr Sanjay Tickoo said.
>
>
>
> http://www.thestatesman.org/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=216888&usrsess=1
>
>
>
>
>
> ======================================
>
> Attachmant B
>
>
>
> *Mufti govt 'talibanising everything': BJP*
>
> Source: PTI
> Publication: Rediff on Net
> Date: July 2, 2005
> URL: http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/jul/02mufti.htm
>
> Taking exception to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
> describing Hari Parbat as 'Koh-i-Maran', the Bharatiya Janata Party on
> Saturday accused the coalition government of supporting 'talibanisation'.
>
> "The BJP is of the opinion that the Congress party is giving full support to
> the People's Democratic Party (of Mehbooba Mufti) that has been
> systematically destroying the symbols of historical importance and
> talibanising everything in Kashmir," state unit BJP vice president and
> spokesperson Hari Om told reporters in Jammu.
>
> The BJP claimed to have 'definite information' that a few days ago,
> officials from the state and New Delhi held a meeting in Srinagar about a
> proposal to change names of some landmarks in the state.
>
> Sayeed had on June 20 described Hari Parbat as 'Koh-i-Maran' and a
> ministerial colleague of his had called Shankaracharya Hill 'Sulaiman Teng',
> Hari Om said, adding that the BJP rejected outright Pradesh Congress
> Committee chief Peerzada Sayeed's assurance that there was no proposal to
> rename the two hills.
>
> ============================================
>
>
>
> Attachmant C
>
>
>
>  *Destruction of Cultural Symbols :**
> Reprehensible History of Fanatic Vandalism*
>
> Organiser, November 14, 2004
>
> Desecration, damage and destruction of temples is not a new and unusual
> phenomenon. The process has been continuously going on ever since Kashmir
> passed into the political domination of Muslim rulers in the first quarter
> of the fourteenth century.
>
> Islam, like other Semitic religions enjoins upon the faithfuls to expand
> their religion by proselytising the heathens, infidels and kafirs
> (non-believers) to their faith to gain religious merit. Jehad or holy war is
> the instrument that is used for proselytisation. The Muslim rulers of
> Kashmir, the Mughals and Pathans made full use of their political authority
> to effect conversion of Hindus of the Valley. To achieve the objectives, it
> became imperative for them to wipe out all traces of religious and cultural
> symbols of Hindus, which included their temples, libraries, universities and
> ashrams.
>
> In Kashmir, gunpowder was used for the first time, not for fighting a war,
> but for destroying massive Hindu stone temples. When it was felt that the
> fissionable material was not available in a sufficient quantity for
> iconoclasm, the nearby jungles were cut down and used for setting on fire
> the giant stone structures of the Hindu temples. By excessive heat the
> stones burst, broke away and these gigantic structures crumbled in the fire
> that spread through the length and breadth of Kashmir. The ruins of Martand,
> Avantipur, Devar, etc. are mute witnesses of the depredation.
>
> *Temples** Vandalised in February 1986*
>
> *ANANTNAG DISTRICT:*
>
> 1.
>
> Anantnag Town:
>
> Two temples damaged and one looted.
>
> 2.
>
> Achhabal:
>
> One temple desecrated, shit thrown on idols.
>
> 3.
>
> Moripura:
>
> One temple demolished.
>
> 4.
>
> Sagam:
>
> One temple partially burnt.
>
> 5.
>
> Naogam:
>
> One temple partially burnt.
>
> 6.
>
> Telvani:
>
> One temple partially burnt.
>
> 7.
>
> Gautamnag:
>
> One two-storeyed temple burnt and a dharamshala stoned.
>
> 8.
>
> Krangsoo:
>
> Pujari Baba of a temple beaten.
>
> 9.
>
> Akura (Mattan):
>
> One temple and its entire property looted and shed set on fire.
>
> 10.
>
> Dialgam:
>
> One temple heavily damaged by stoning.
>
> 11.
>
> Salar:
>
> One temple set on fire.
>
> 12.
>
> Aishmuqam:
>
> One temple set on fire.
>
> 13.
>
> Bijbehara town:
>
> Two temples completely looted; ancient idol valued at more than Rs 10 lakh
> broken; Jai Devi temple desecrated and idol stolen.
>
> 14.
>
> Wanpoh (Gasipura):
>
> Two temples and samadhi of Swami Dama Kak completely burnt.
>
> 15.
>
> Dhanav (Bogund):
>
> Two temples and one dharamshala burnt.
>
> 16.
>
> Chogam:
>
> One temple stoned; its doors, windows and three pillars broken.
>
> 17.
>
> Verinag:
>
> One temple on the parikrama of the holy spring damaged, doors broken, idols
> thrown into the spring. Pawan Sandhya, a religious teerth, converted into a
> place for construction of mosque.
>
> 18.
>
> Larkipora:
>
> Three temples of Goddess Durga, Siddha Lakshmi and Shiva completely burnt;
> idols broken into pieces.
>
> 19.
>
> Fatehpura:
>
> One temple completely burnt alongwith its entrance gate; ancient Shiva idol
> broken into pieces.
>
> 20.
>
> Quill (Pulwama):
>
> One temple damaged partially.
>
> 21.
>
> Trisal:
>
> One temple stoned; compound wall of another temple damaged.
>
> 22.
>
> Pawan Sandhya:
>
> Converted into mosque.
>
> *SRINAGAR DISTRICT:*
>
> 23.
>
> Ganpatyar (Srinagar):
>
> Temple heavily stoned.
>
> 24.
>
> Jawahar Nagar:
>
> Shiva Mandir desecrated and damaged; its property brought out and consigned
> to flames.
>
> 25.
>
> Maisuma:
>
> Dashnami akhara, from where Charri Mubarak leaves for holy Amarnath cave
> burnt down.
>
> 26.
>
> Raghunath Mandir:
>
> Damaged by stoning.
>
> 27.
>
> Tulamulla:
>
> One temple in the village burnt.
>
> 28.
>
> Waskura:
>
> The famous temple of Mata Rupa Bhawani partially burnt.
>
> 29.
>
> Gandherbal:
>
> Two temples burnt and two temples damaged.
>
> *BUDGAM DISTRICT:*
>
> 30.
>
> Yachhgam:
>
> One temple partially damaged.
>
> 31.
>
> Badgam town:
>
> Sharda temple damaged.
>
> 32.
>
> Chadura:
>
> One temple damaged.
>
> *KUPWARA DISTRICT:*
>
> 33.
>
> Tekpora:
>
> One temple burnt.
>
> 34.
>
> Lalpura:
>
> One temple burnt.
>
> 35.
>
> Handwara:
>
> One temple damaged.
>
> *BARAMULLA DISTRICT:*
>
> 36.
>
> Baramulla town:
>
> One temple partially damaged.
>
> 37.
>
> Venkura:
>
> One temple fully damaged.
>
> 38.
>
> Sopore:
>
> One temple partially damaged.
>
> 39.
>
> Bandipora:
>
> One temple partially burnt.
>
>
>
> After India achieved freedom and Kashmir acceded to the Union of India,
> temple desecration was resumed. Temple lands, cremation grounds, etc. of
> Hindus were usurped for expansion of Islam. The famous Bhairavnath temple of
> Chattabal, Srinagar was locked up by the police. The judicial case pending
> in court concerning this temple was never allowed to be decided. Precious
> lands around Hari Parbat hill, Durganag temple of Srinagar and lands at
> several Hindu places of worship in the Valley were slowly and steadily
> turned into lands under occupation of Muslim trusts (Maqboozai-Ahali-Islam).
> In 1967, Shivala temple, Chotta Nazar, Srinagar was desecrated. Again in
> 1984 Shri Hanuman temple at Hari Singh High Street was damaged and in the
> same year Arya Samaj temple of Wazir Bagh, Srinagar was burnt down. From
> 1986, the law and order situation in the Valley deteriorated day by day and
> temple desecration became the order of the day.
>
>
>
> After India achieved freedom and Kashmir acceded to the Union of India,
> temple desecration was resumed. Temple lands, cremation grounds, etc. of
> Hindus were usurped for expansion of Islam.
>
> *Temples** desecrated, damaged or destroyed in response to community calls
> for Jehad from 1987 to 1990*
>
> 1.
>
> Sri Puran Raja Bhairav at Hawal, Srinagar (completely burnt).
>
> 2.
>
> Vandev Mandir, Hari Parbat (completely burnt).
>
> 3.
>
> Kathlishwar Mandir, Zaindar Mohalla, Srinagar (partly damaged).
>
> 4.
>
> Gouri Shanker Mandir, Kani-Kadal (damaged).
>
> 5.
>
> Somyar Mandir, Habba Kaddal shopping complex (completely burnt).
>
> 6.
>
> Shiva Mandir, Shetalnath, Srinagar (burnt).
>
> 7.
>
> Shiva Mandir, Malapora, Srinagar (burnt).
>
> 8.
>
> Shailputri Asthapan Mandir, Baramulla (burnt).
>
> 9.
>
> Gautam Nag Mandir, Anantnag (attacks have been frequent).
>
> 10.
>
> Raghunath Mandir, Anantnag (attacks have been frequent).
>
> 11.
>
> Tikipora Mandir, Kupwara.
>
> 12.
>
> Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Bulbul Lankar, Srinagar (ancient priceless idol
> removed by breaking one of the temple walls).
>
> 13.
>
> Temple at Shopian with four buildings and shopping complex burnt. The mahant
> at Napli mercilessly beaten; a south Indian sadhu assisting the mahant was
> asked to kill a cow. Pine, walnut, apple, kikar and poplar trees spread over
> 18 kanals of temple land to a great extent were destroyed. The sadhu
> identified some people of Danda Mohalla, mainly one Hussan Dand and Kuda
> Dand, leading the mob besides Jamaat-i-Islami workers on carnage.
>
> 14.
>
> Idols in Shiva Mandir, Batayar (desecrated).
>
> 15.
>
> Holy spring with Shiva idol desecrated at Khrew, resulting in Hindu-Muslim
> conflict in the village.
>
>
>
> *Temples** desecrated and damaged in Kashmir from 1990 to December 1992*
>
> *1. DASHNAMI AKHARA, SRINAGAR*
> On the opposite side of the shopping complex of WAKF building, housing a
> library, reading room and an office of Jamaat-i-Islami, lies the age-old
> akhara in Badshah Chowk, Srinagar. The temple in the akhara is surrounded by
> three storeyed shopping-cum-hotel-cum-office complex on three sides. There
> is a beautiful park in the premises, dharamshalas for sadhus, residence of
> the mahant, etc. The akhara has provided a vast area to Suraj Transport
> Company for use as godown and parking space on rent. The akhara has been a
> chronic eyesore to the Jamaat-i-Islami. It was attacked countless times but
> in early 1990, mobs forced entry into the premises causing a devastating
> fire, and loss of property in crores in godowns and a portion of mahant's
> residence. CRPF suffered heavy injuries while protecting the temple.
>
> *2. GANPATYAR TEMPLE*
> Ganpatyar has been attracting mob attacks right from 1953. Al-Aksa episode,
> Satanic Verses, Zia's death, fall of East Pakistan, defeat of Pakistan in
> cricket, etc. have been the causes. From the onset of insurgency it was
> stoned, attacked by bomb blasts and rockets on various occasions but CRPF in
> one of its dharamshalas saved the shrine at great cost.
>
> *3. RAGHUNATH MANDIR, SRINAGAR*
> The school caught fire when the dharamshala of the temple was set on fire in
> early 1990 while worshipping in the temple was forbidden. However, the
> worshippers refused to stop worship. The premises were set on fire.
>
> *4. SHIVA TEMPLE, JAWAHAR NAGAR, SRINAGAR*
> The property in the dharamshala was brought out along with some puja
> material and idols from the temple; some removed and some consigned to
> flames.
>
> *5. HANUMAN MANDIR, SRINAGAR*
> Desecrated long before the start of insurgency which necessitated
> round-the-clock CRPF guard. The massive Panchamukhi Hanuman idol suffered
> some damage in early 1990.
>
> *6. SHIVA TEMPLE, BARBAR SHAH, SRINAGAR*
> It was desecrated a number of times. What is desecrated is not safe.
> Desecration itself is heinous sacrilege.
>
> *7. JAI DEVI TEMPLE, BIJBEHARA*
> Desecrated, idols stoned, compound wall broken in 1986.
>
> *8. VIJESHWAR TEMPLE, BIJBEHARA*
> Night soil was thrown on 10 Shiva lingas inside the temple in 1986, and
> compound wall broken.
>
> *9. SHIVA MANDIR, BIJBEHARA*
> Ancient idols valued over Rs 10 lakhs in the shrine were looted in 1986.
>
> *10. RAGHUNATH TEMPLE, ANANTNAG*
> According to Mahant Sukhram and other sources, mostly Muslims, it suffered
> nine bomb attacks, seven blasts in police station, Anantnag. Refer to FIR
> No. 307/427 dated 9-1-91.
>
> *11. GAUTAM NAG TEMPLE, ANANTNAG*
> The double-storey temple (60 x 40) was burnt to ashes in presence of
> homeguard personnel and property loss was estimated to the tune of Rs 28
> lakhs, leaving aside priceless ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit and Sharda.
> The orchard on 145 canals of land with thirty thousand fruit trees was
> mercilessly attacked by fanatical mobs, leaving hardly three thousand trees
> to survive.
>
> *12. THREE TEMPLES OF LUKHBHAVAN, LARKIPURA, ANANTNAG*
> Damaged in 1986. Subsequently repaired. Dharamshala burnt, temple suffered
> some damage again in 1992.
>
> *13. WANPOH MANDIR, ANANTNAG*
> The idols have been desecrated publicly in respect of this shrine on
> 21-2-1992, according to sources.
>
> *14. SHAILPUTRI TEMPLE, BARAMULLA*
> Damaged in 1990.
>
> *15. DAYALGAM MANDIR, ANANTNAG*
> It was stoned heavily but was somehow not razed to the ground.
>
> *16. BHAIRAVANATH MANDIR, BARAMULLA*
> Damaged in 1990.
>
> *17. BHAIRAVANATH MANDIR, SOPORE*
> Desecrated and damaged.
>
> *18. RUPABHAVANI MANDIR, VASAKURA*
> Idols, ashram utensils removed. Night soil thrown on the steps in early
> 1990, a dozen times. Protesting Hindus of the vicinity mercilessly beaten.
>
> *19. KHIRBHAVANI MANDIR, GANDERBAL*
> According to B.G. Verghese, "Its origin goes to epic times. The security
> forces in its precincts attracted rocket attacks on April 4, 1991, which
> chipped some concrete off the outer gate. It again came under attack on May
> 4. Bullet marks can be seen on the other structures."
>
> *20. SHIVA TEMPLE, GANDERBAL*
> Desecrated and damaged.
>
> *21. MATTAN TEMPLE, ANANTNAG*
> A mob entered the premises, after namaz, claiming it to be a Muslim shrine.
>
> *Minister of State for Home, Shri M.M. Jacob told the Lok Sabha on 12-3-1993
> that 38 places of worship were damaged in J&K state, 13 in 1989, nine in
> 1990 and 16 in 1991.*
>
> *DETAILS OF THE TEMPLES DESTROYED IN J&K STATE AFTER DECEMBER 6, 1992*
>
> *DISTRICT ANANTANAG*
>
> *S.No*
>
> *Date*
>
> *Description of Temple*
>
> *FIR No.*
>
> *Police Station*
>
> 1.
>
> 8.12.1992
>
>
>
>
> - --
> "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and
> write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."
> Alvin Toffler
>
> http://wanderlustt.blogspot.com
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