Authorities in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) have initiated the repair of the damaged boundary wall of Sharda Peeth, a day after India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, emphasized India’s claim over PoJK. The temple, located in the Neelam Valley of PoJK, holds immense historical significance as an ancient seat of learning dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning, Maa Saraswati.
Sharda Peeth served as a prominent temple university between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. However, recent years have witnessed encroachments on the temple’s land, facilitated by the Pakistan Army, leading to damage of the temple premises. Notably, the boundary wall of the revered site was vandalised and a coffee house was recently constructed by Pakistan Army in the premises.
The Save Sharda Committee, comprising members from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), has actively advocated for the temple’s protection and the removal of encroachments. According to revenue records, the temple initially possessed 73 kanals of land, but currently only retains 10 kanals, with the rest encroached upon.
Kashmiri Pandits, along with other Kashmiris have long been demanding access to the temple premises to safeguard its sanctity. Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the Lok Sabha, reiterated India’s claim over PoJK and announced the reservation of 24 assembly seats for the region, further intensifying discussions surrounding the illegal occupation of Pakistan.