The National Struggle Front, led by Pyare Lal Kaul, urged the J&K Governor to issue an ordinance for protection and preservation of Hindu temples and shrines in the state.
This newspaper clipping reproduces an open letter addressed to the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir by the National Struggle Front (NSF), led by Advocate Pyare Lal Kaul. The letter calls for urgent legislative action to protect and preserve Hindu temples and shrines across the state.
The communication highlights that numerous Hindu religious sites in Kashmir Valley—apart from major shrines like Shri Amarnath—have suffered neglect, encroachment, damage, and even demolition, particularly after the mass migration of Kashmiri Hindus. It raises concerns about revenue-generating temple lands being illegally occupied and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive inquiry into such matters.
The letter also points out that historical names of villages and locations reflecting Hindu heritage have been altered or replaced over time, erasing traces of cultural identity. It calls for a thorough survey and restoration of such heritage.
Pyare Lal Kaul notes that while legal frameworks exist for protecting Muslim religious properties (through the Auqaf Act) and Sikh shrines (through the Gurdwara Prabandhak Act), no similar effective mechanism has been implemented for Hindu temples in Jammu & Kashmir. Existing provisions, where present, have largely remained unimplemented.
The NSF proposes enactment of a centralized law or ordinance to ensure protection, preservation, and management of Hindu temples and shrines, including major pilgrimage sites such as Vaishno Devi, Mata Sukrala Devi, and Shri Amarnath. It also emphasizes safeguarding traditional pilgrimage routes and associated facilities.
The letter further connects the issue with broader socio-political developments, including tensions surrounding the Shri Amarnath land transfer controversy, and stresses the need for balanced, fair, and legally backed solutions.
Given that the State Legislature was not in session at the time, the letter urges the Governor to promulgate an ordinance at the earliest to address these concerns.
This document reflects Pyare Lal Kaul’s continued advocacy for cultural preservation, legal safeguards, and the protection of religious heritage in Jammu & Kashmir.
