Sanatan Dharam Sabha Raises Concerns Over Shrine Funds, Vaishno Devi Coins and Minority Safety
JAMMU, Dec 28: The Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday adopted three significant resolutions addressing issues related to the use of Shrine Board funds, circulation of coins depicting Mata Vaishno Devi, and the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The resolutions were unanimously passed during a meeting of the Provincial Executive Committee of the Sabha held at Geeta Mandir, Parade, under the chairmanship of State President Parshotam Dadhichi. The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations on matters the Sabha described as having deep religious, social and humanitarian implications.
In its first resolution, the Sabha demanded the immediate recall of ₹5 and ₹10 coins bearing the image or symbol of Mata Vaishno Devi. The organisation expressed concern that such coins often end up in places considered inappropriate, including liquor and meat shops, or fall on the ground, coming into contact with dirt and waste. According to the Sabha, this amounts to disrespect of sacred symbols and hurts the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. The resolution called for a phased withdrawal of such coins and urged authorities to avoid issuing currency featuring deities or holy shrines in the future.
The second resolution focused on the alleged misuse of temple offerings and properties managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Sabha alleged that Hindu students and members of the local community are being sidelined in medical colleges and other institutions run by the Shrine Board. It asserted that donations made by Sanatani Hindus should primarily be utilised for the welfare, education and upliftment of the Hindu community. In this regard, the Sabha extended full support to the ongoing movement led by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti.
The third resolution strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence, sexual assault and destruction of property targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. The Sabha described the situation as alarming and urged the Government of India to raise the issue forcefully at international forums. It also called for sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of minorities and accountability for human rights violations.
Concluding the meeting, State President Parshotam Dadhichi briefed members about organisational plans for the year 2026 and said that all three resolutions would be formally forwarded to the concerned ministries and authorities for appropriate action.
The meeting was attended by senior office-bearers including Working President Parbhat Singh, Vice President Arun Gupta, General Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Secretaries Atma Ram Sagar and Subhash Sharma, Treasurer Anil Magotra, Media Secretary Dalip, Office Secretary Vijay and other members of the Sabha.
