New Delhi, May 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken to task the administration in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for arranging a prayer ceremony, which was also attended by territory’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at a Hindu temple in Islamabad district, in violation of rules.

An official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said that the IIOJK’s administration has been sent a notice for not seeking permission from the Indian conservation body for the ‘Navgrah Ashtamangalam puja’ at the 1400 years old Martand Sun temple in Islamabad district on Sunday. He added that the ASI has conveyed its displeasure to the district administration and has raised concerns over the event.

Hindu priests from outside IIOJK had been called for the event that was also attended by seers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Under the India’s Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1959, meetings, receptions, parties, entertainment or conferences cannot be held at a protected monument without permission in writing from the Indian government. As per the ASI, a sub rule allows for the pursuance of a recognised religious usage and customs at sites that are operational as places of worship, but the temple in question was not such a site.

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