SC panel chief steps in amid Kathgarh temple land row

Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman, chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Commission, took serious note of the ongoing dispute over the Kathgarh temple land in Indora subdivision during his visit last evening. Following reports of attacks on families belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, Dhiman rushed to the spot to assess the situation firsthand.

He immediately convened a meeting with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Nurpur Superintendent of Police (SP), which was also attended by local revenue and civil officials. During the meeting, the chairman directed the police administration to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the attacks and to take strict legal action against those responsible.

Dhiman also instructed the local administration to form an inquiry committee under the chairmanship of the Indora SDM. The committee, which will include the local Tehsildar and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has been tasked with visiting the disputed site, hearing the grievances of both parties and conducting an inquiry based on the land allotments to each side. The committee has been ordered to submit its fact-finding report to the Commission within one week.

Taking serious cognizance of the alleged laxity of the local revenue department officials, Dhiman issued strict instructions for a swift and fair resolution of the land dispute.

Speaking to the media later, Dhiman emphasised that the protection of Scheduled Castes’ rights was the commission’s priority. He asserted that no injustice or atrocities against the marginalised sections of society would be tolerated.

Himachal Tribune