NC dispels fears over Temple Bill, assures full support

Dispelling apprehensions on the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulation) Bill, National Conference (NC) today insisted that it was committed in supporting the legislation, which aims at preserving the "religious treasure" of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs).
"Our party stands committed to support the legislation aimed at preserving the valuable religious treasure of KPs, which stands testimony to the glorious and pluralistic ethos of the state," NC provincial president, Devender Singh Rana said here today.
"It was, in fact, NC that introduced the bill (as a private member's bill) when in Opposition," Rana said.
He, however, added that the issue required a consensus among the entire political spectrum.

Appealing to community leaders not to nurture doubts about the intentions of his party with regard to the bill, Rana hoped that they will prevail upon other political parties, including coalition partner Congress and seek their support for the passage of the legislation.
"Sagacious leadership of KPs is aware about the support required for passing the bill in the Legislative Assembly and it is also necessary for other parties to be on board on this issue," he said.
KPs formed the core of unique pluralistic ethos of the land of Rishis and Suffis and their well being is a matter of faith for the NC and the people of Kashmir, Rana said.

He urged KPs to not get swayed by the malicious propaganda unleashed by some quarters with vested interests, trying to derive political mileage by dividing the people.