Warns strict action against illegal occupation of religious land
Jammu, Mar 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said it is committed to protect every religious place, including temples, gurdwaras, mosques and churches and does not require additional legislation for the purpose.
Responding in the House, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said successive governments led by Omar Abdullah have introduced measures from time to time to preserve the sanctity of religious institutions and ensure their proper management.
“There are already well-defined rules and regulations in place to protect religious properties. Wherever violations have been reported, strict action has been taken,” he said.
Dy CM made these remarks while opposing a private member’s bill moved by a BJP legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia, seeking protection of temples and removal of alleged illegal encroachments on religious land across the Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that existing laws are sufficient to safeguard all religious properties.
He stressed that the government maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal occupation of land belonging to religious institutions and acts promptly in such cases, adding that the government remains focused on upholding communal harmony and safeguarding the pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling the proposed bill unnecessary, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government’s commitment to protect religious places and maintain brotherhood in the Union Territory is firm and consistent. He described Jammu and Kashmir as an example of coexistence where all faiths are respected and protected. (KNO)
