The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday rejected by a voice vote a private member’s bill introduced by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA that sought to provide for the protection and restoration of temples in the Union Territory. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary cited existing safeguards and the region’s tradition of communal harmony as reasons for opposing the legislation.
Bill Introduced by BJP MLA
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia had introduced the bill, titled the Jammu and Kashmir Temple Protection and Restoration Bill. The proposed legislation aimed to institutionalize safeguards for the preservation and restoration of damaged temples, particularly those encroached upon or affected during the period of militancy in the region. Mankotia argued that the bill was necessary to address the vulnerability of religious sites to encroachment and destruction following the displacement of communities.
When the bill was presented, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated his opposition to it. Following this, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary rose to respond on behalf of the government. Mankotia initially objected to the Deputy Chief Minister replying, insisting that the Chief Minister, having opposed the bill, should provide the government’s response. However, he relented after the Speaker’s intervention.
Government Cites Existing Safeguards
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary asserted that Jammu and Kashmir’s strength lies in its tradition of communal harmony and equal respect for all religions. He stated that successive governments, including the current administration led by Omar Abdullah, have consistently ensured the protection of temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches alike.
Choudhary, who is part of the government led by Omar Abdullah, expressed pride in representing the legacy of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, whom he described as someone who has always stood for all religions and has been a unifying figure. He emphasized that whenever the National Conference has been in power, all religious institutions have been protected.
“No religion or community has the right to encroach upon any sacred place of another, and no government has ever permitted such actions. This is the true essence and beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, I do not believe there is a need for this Bill,” Choudhary stated in the Assembly.
Commitment to Protecting All Religious Places
The Deputy Chief Minister assured the Assembly that the government remains committed not only to protecting temples but all religious places. He added that if any encroachment has occurred, strict action will be taken. Choudhary further informed the house that Jammu and Kashmir already has institutional mechanisms in place, such as the Waqf Board for Muslims, the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee for Sikhs, and the Dharmarth Trust for Hindu religious institutions.
He highlighted that sufficient legal frameworks are available to address concerns related to religious properties. The government’s leadership, he reiterated, is committed to strengthening communal harmony, hospitality, and brotherhood, values for which Jammu and Kashmir is widely appreciated. Information was available with The Chenab Times that indicated the prevailing sentiment in the assembly was that the existing legal and administrative structures were adequate for safeguarding religious sites.
Following Mankotia’s refusal to withdraw the bill, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the legislation to a voice vote. The House ultimately rejected the bill.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
