JK: Ordinance to protect Hindu temples in the offing

An ordinance to protect Hindu temples and manage their affairs across Kashmir Valley is in the offing.

According to a government statement, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the state revenue department to draft an ordinance for protection and management of temples across Kashmir Valley so that it is placed before the state cabinet for approval.

The State government move follows reports of fraudulent sale of temple properties in the Valley. The various Pandit organisations have recently voiced their concern over the sale of the properties and have been demanding protection of the properties.

The chief minister, who chaired the meeting of apex advisory committee for Kashmiri migrants, also directed creation of 3,000 more posts for the Pandit youth in Kashmir Valley and timely filling of the posts lying vacant out of the earlier quota of 3,000 for the migrant youth already announced.

On enhancement of cash relief to the migrants, Omar said that he has already taken up this issue with the Central government. "I have discussed this issue with the prime minister, home minister and other concerned. I am hopeful that a positive decision will come in this regard."

The chief minister directed the revenue and rehabilitation department to formulate a proposal for enhancement of financial assistance to migrant families for construction of residential houses in the Valley from present Rs 7.50 lakh to a reasonable amount.

"We know that the return of migrants call for a good residential accommodation for them in the Valley. As such, those who want to return should get suitable financial assistance to build their houses in Valley," he said.

Omar said that 'those migrants who have obtained service in the valley and returned back would like to reside in their own houses as such the financial assistance for purchase or construction of house should be substantial for them'.

He said that the state government would vehemently advocate this aspect with the union government at the highest level.

Omar said that 'the security scenario has positively changed to a large extent in the Valley and the sense of security has received considerable fillip during last some years.

"The return of about 1,500 migrant youth to Valley in connection with employment and their residing and working with majority community has further boosted the confidence," he said emphasizing the need for its further cementing.