Key Facts
Residents of Basohli in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, have intensified their demand for the return of management rights of the historic Peer Nigah Temple to Gram Panchayat Basohli. On Monday, a large group of villagers and panchayat representatives reached the Deputy Commissioner's office to submit a memorandum.
Background of the Dispute
Peer Nigah Temple, a renowned religious site in North India, has been traditionally managed by Gram Panchayat Basohli for years. However, due to the end of the panchayat's term and delays in local body elections, the district administration temporarily appointed an administrator to oversee the temple's operations. With the completion of panchayat elections, the new panchayat has taken charge, and the election code of conduct has ended. Despite this, the management rights have not been restored to the panchayat.
Demands of the Residents
The delegation, comprising panchayat representatives and local villagers, submitted a memorandum to the administration demanding the immediate handover of temple management to the gram panchayat. They argued that the continued appointment of an administrator is no longer justified. The residents emphasized that the temple's resources should be utilized for public welfare and development, as was the practice earlier.
One of the protesters stated, "The administration had appointed an administrator for the temple temporarily due to the end of the panchayat term and delay in elections, but now the situation has normalized." Another added, "The management rights of the temple should be handed over to the gram panchayat so that the resources associated with the temple can be used for public welfare and development as before."
Previous Efforts and Warning
The residents revealed that this was not the first time they had raised the issue. They had earlier approached the administration twice, but no concrete decision was taken. They warned that if their demand is not addressed soon, they will continue their agitation through democratic means.
One of the leaders said, "The temple has been managed by Gram Panchayat Basohli for years. Due to the end of the panchayat term and delay in elections, the administration appointed an administrator. Now the new panchayat has taken charge and the election code of conduct is over, so the management rights should be returned to the panchayat." Another added, "If no action is taken on their demand soon, they will continue their movement through democratic means."
Administration's Response
Additional Commissioner Vinay Modi, who heard the delegation at the DC office, assured them that the matter would be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner. He promised that the administration would consider all aspects and take an appropriate decision soon.
What Readers Should Know
- Peer Nigah Temple is a significant religious site in Una district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Gram Panchayat Basohli has historically managed the temple.
- An administrator was appointed due to the end of the panchayat term and election delays.
- With the new panchayat in place, residents demand the restoration of management rights.
- The administration has assured a decision after reviewing the matter.
FAQ
Why are Basohli residents demanding the return of Peer Nigah Temple management?
The temple was traditionally managed by Gram Panchayat Basohli. Due to the end of the panchayat term and election delays, an administrator was appointed. Now that the new panchayat has taken charge and the election code is over, residents want the management rights restored to the panchayat.
What action did the residents take?
A large number of villagers and panchayat representatives reached the Deputy Commissioner's office in Una and submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate handover of temple management to the gram panchayat.
What was the administration's response?
Additional Commissioner Vinay Modi assured the delegation that the matter would be brought to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner and that a fair decision would be taken soon considering all aspects.
What is the significance of Peer Nigah Temple?
Peer Nigah Temple is a famous religious site in North India, located in Basohli, Una district, Himachal Pradesh. It has been managed by the local gram panchayat for years.