[Reader-list] The Talibanisation of India

[Shivam Vij शिवम् विज्]

Link for the story I posted below:
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080611/jsp/frontpage/story_9395200.jsp

On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 9:55 PM, Shivam Vij शिवम् विज्
<mail at shivamvij.com> wrote:
> Perhaps Pandit groups like RIK might also want to protest against
> fellow Pandits, members of the Ganesh Mandir Prabandhak Committee, for
> not being interested in the upkeep of this important temple.
>
> best
> shivam
>
> o o o
>
> Temple divides Pandits
> OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
>
> Srinagar, June 10: The renovation of a 700-year-old Ganesh temple has
> become the cause of a rift between Kashmiri Pandits who migrated from
> the Valley and those who stayed back.
>
> The temple in the old city of Srinagar has suffered damage because of
> inclement weather. Militants vandalised the temple in 1992.
>
> The Kashmir Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, which represents over 4,000
> people who stayed back, wants to renovate the shrine. Sanjay Tickoo,
> its president, said: "We want to restore it to its pristine glory."
>
> The Samiti, he said, had approached the former office-bearers — all
> are in Jammu — to discuss the renovation plans. "We had approached
> them to start the renovation but they refused to do so, saying the
> situation is not conducive in Kashmir," he said.
>
> The Samiti also alleged that the erstwhile Ganesh Mandir Prabandhak
> Committee had Rs 21 lakh of temple funds, which it was reluctant to
> give.
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 9:52 PM, Shivam Vij शिवम् विज्
> <mail at shivamvij.com> wrote:
>>> 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
>>> _________________________________________
>>> reader-list: an open discussion list on media and the city.
>>> Critiques & Collaborations
>>> To subscribe: send an email to reader-list-request at sarai.net with subscribe in the subject header.
>>> To unsubscribe: https://mail.sarai.net/mailman/listinfo/reader-list
>>> List archive: &lt;https://mail.sarai.net/pipermail/reader-list/>
>>
>