New Delhi – Based on the evidence provided by the JK Peace Forum, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the illegal lease and sale of temple properties in Kashmir. The investigation will focus on the alleged nexus between the parties in using the properties for illegal purposes.

The Kashmir-based NGO claims that in the last 33 years no government has taken any action to protect the temple properties of Kashmir’s minorities. Temple properties were illegally leased or sold despite several court orders.

JK Peace Forum President Satish Mahaldar said, “The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the revenue department have failed to protect the temple properties and have been unable to vacate the temple properties and premises, which have been illegally leased by the concerned management.” We are thankful to the Hon’ble Governor for initiating the SIT probe.”

Mahaldar also highlighted the failure of previous J&K governments to protect Hindu minority properties in Kashmir. Despite repeated court orders and implementation of The Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Protection, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sale) Act, 1997, illegal leasing of temple properties continues.

According to Mahaldar, from 1989 to 2022, a select group of people, in connivance with officials of the J&K government, operated defunct temple trusts and sold or leased temple properties in the absence of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He expressed doubt that the J&K government is shielding the employees involved in these illegal activities.