SRINAGAR: Reconstruction of the tied shrine of Sheikh Nooruddin fail has become the latest bone of contention between the government and the All-party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), which has rejected outright the government’s proposal to reconstruct the shrine.
With the government still shaken by the burning of the shrine and the township and jittery about possible, mass resentment once curfew is lifted, and measures taken for the reconstruction of the shrine and devastated township to assuage feelings, Indeed, the Prime Minister, P.V.Narasimha Rao and his foam on Kashmir affairs have repeatedly announced rehabilitation of the town residents and reconstruction of the shrine.
On the other hand a spokesman of the APHC told newsmen here that it would “not allow” reconstruction of the shrine by the government adding that the government was itself responsible for the devastation, He said that Kashmiri people would assume responsibility for reconstruction of this symbol of communal amity and harmony. The spokesman said that the APHC would also seek funds from the Muslim world, but would not accept the government’s reconstruction plans.
It may be mentioned here that an official spokesman had told newsmen that the shrine would be reconstructed under the original medieval ‘architecture, in consultation with scholars, religious leaders and local people and Chrar-e-Sharief town would be reconstructed as a model town,
‘The APHC and other separatist organizations have already rejected the government’s plan and other measures being taken for the rehabilitation of those displaced by the incident.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 19, 1995