Those behind desecration incidents won't be let off: J&K government

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government today said a probe into two incidents of alleged desecration of temples in Jammu is on to ascertain if they were part of a conspiracy to disturb the "peaceful and conducive" atmosphere in the state.

"Investigation is on in both the incidents. Action has been taken in yesterday's incident and the government is serious (about the matter). The members have expressed concern to ascertain what is behind these incidents.

"The government is looking into the incidents and will go into their depth to see if any conspiracy is there to disturb the conducive atmosphere," state Minister for Law Abdul Haq Khan told the Legislative Council here.

The minister made the statement after BJP, Congress and PDP legislators from Jammu demanded the government to make one on the two incidents.

Khan said the government's intention is clear and it would not let off those responsible for the incidents.

"I want to assure this House we will not let off anyone. We will not let anyone vitiate the conducive atmosphere, in which the tourism has flourished this year, be it in Jammu or Ladakh or Kashmir," he said.

As soon as the House assembled, BJP MLC Vibodh Gupta raised the issue of alleged desecration of another temple in Jammu yesterday, the issue is related to the sentiments of the people.

"This matter is not just political but our sentiments are involved as well. Our sentiments have been hurt. It seems there is a conspiracy. We will not tolerate it," Gupta said.

Gupta's party colleague Ramesh Arora demanded a probe into the incidents, saying "it seems some agency or politician is behind them".

The BJP legislators also sought transfer of police officers of the areas where the incidents took place.

"If we find any officer is involved in this at any level, we will not spare him," the minister said.