JAMMU: Decrying Tuesday’s act of desecration at Aap Shambhu Temple, several religious, social and political organizations on Wednesday expressed their anguish and resentment.
State VHP President, Leela Karan Sharma expressed anguish over the act of Muslim community in trespassing the temple and breaking the Shiv Lingum and other idols in the Aap Shambhu Temple.
Sharma told reporters that the Mahant of the temple had gone to Police Station, Janipur for lodging the FIR against Mohammad Yasir, resident of Doda who broke the glasses of the temple and also threatened the people who were doing Kirtan there. One of the Inspector ASI Rehmat Ullah slapped him and refused to register the FIR, he said adding that however, when the mob of the adjoining areas gathered outside police station, the police was forced to register an FIR.
Sharma demanded that SHO and ASI of Janipur Police Station should be suspended immediately and action under rule be taken against them besides, all the cases against the youth which have been falsely implicated should be withdrawn.
Sharma threatened to go for Jammu Bandh in case their demands are not met soon. Meanwhile, condemning the sacrilegious incident, Young Panthers (YP) made a fervent appeal to all sections of the society to show restraint to maintain peace and harmony at all costs.
YP also pulled up the State Government for giving space to the separatists which had further emboldened the mischievous elements to trigger communal tension all across the State.
Gagan Pratap Singh, General Secretary and Spokesman Young Panthers deplored the obnoxious act of desecration at the revered Aap Shambhu Temple which had severely hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu Pradesh to stage massive protests.
He urged upon the people to keep the centuries old tradition of brotherhood intact to defeat the nefarious designs of the anti- national forces who were hell bent to vitiate peace in the region.
State President, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Ravi Tickoo condemned the incident and demanded strict action against culprits. “We want higher authorities to identify these anti-social elements and take stern action against them as soon as possible,” he said. He appealed for maintaining communal harmony and brotherhood.
State President, Shri Ram Sena, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajiv Mahajan expressed serious concern over the vandalisation of ancient Aap Shambhu Temple. Mahajan alleged that BJP and PDP were targeting Hindus and their places of worship with a hidden agenda.
Questioning the criminal silence of the State Government over the entire episode, Rajiv warned that such incidents would not be tolerated by the Hindu outfits and if this will happen in future government will face 2008 like agitation in Jammu.
Meanwhile, scores of workers of Shiv Sena ( AG) and Dogra Front under the leadership of President Ashok Gupta took out a rally against the sacrilegious act which after passing through Rani Park Parade road, Purani Mandi, Old Hospital road, Super Bazaar, Raghunath Bazaar and culminated at Talab Tillo.
Ashok said that such acts shall not be tolerated and require condemnation from all sections of society.
Meanwhile, Anjuman-e-Imamia in a meeting held at Imam Bargah Sofi Shah Peer Mitha condemned the act of desecration of Aap Shambhu Temple Janipur.
President Syed Amanat Ali Shah said that we condemned this sacrilegious act done by a miscreant. He appealed to Jammuites for maintaining communal harmony.
Prof. Sujat Khan Secretary Anjuman said that proper investigation should be done in this matter and the culprit should be put behind the bars. He further added that peace and harmony of the state is our priority and we stood firm with our Hindu brothers.
Sheikh Sajjad said that Jammu and Kashmir state is an example of brotherhood and communal harmony and we cannot allow anyone to disturb peace process in our state.
Afaq Kazmi said we appeal to all the communities to stand firm with our Hindu brothers and try to maintain peace in the city.
Kazmi Hussain Anjum, Sohail Mir, Rashid Ahmed, Javed Ahmed, Syed Amjad Ali Shah and Syed Tahir Ali Shah were also present.
Warning the State Government to remain cautious against the planned conspiracy of anti-national disruptive forces extending communal tentacles in peaceful Jammu, Jammu Province People Forum (JPPF) asked the government to take effective measures to contain such nefarious activities. President JPPF Pavitar Singh Bhardwaj (Retired Judge) strongly condemning the desecration of Aap Shambu Temple in Janipur, demanded exemplary punishment to accused, who is involved in heinous crime with a mission to disturb peaceful atmosphere of Jammu to flare up communal tension in the region.
Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha also condemned the sacrilegious act. Sabha member Ved Parkash Sharma demanded stern action against the guilty for disturbing the prevailing tranquility in the region. The meeting also sought action against alleged misbehaviour of policeman with the temple priest.