Jammu: The Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit has demanded the immediate repeal of the Hindu Endowments Act 1951, spending the donation amount on the welfare of Hindus and giving first rights to Hindus for admission in colleges and universities run by Hindu temples.
In a press conference held in Jammu today, state head Manish Sahni said that it is ironic that in a country with 80% Hindu population, the government has maintained its complete control over about four lakh Hindu temples and donations. On the contrary, Muslim, Christian, and other religious places have been given complete exemptions. Sahni said that in the Constitution of the country received in 1950, under Article 26, it was clearly stated that the government would not have to interfere in any religious place. This article got rid of the laws and regulations of the British and Hindus got their temples back, but in 1951, a law was made under the Hindu Charity Act, and the state governments were given the full right to control the temples. Sahni said that there are about 9 lakh Hindu temples in the whole country and about four lakh temples are under government control. It is not clear where the money goes that Hindus offer to God in the temple according to their faith. Sahni has appealed to all Hindu organizations, and saint society to come forward and join this campaign of Shiv Sena (UBT) for the protection and upliftment of temples and take effective steps with immediate effect in unity to repeal the 1951 Act which is a blow to the faith of Hindus. On this occasion Gen Secretary Vikas Bakshi and Vice President Sanjeev Kohli were present.