Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a couple from Hong Kong visited PoK and performed Puja near Sharda Peeth on the banks of Kishenganga. P. Venkataraman and Sujhata reached Muzaffarabad on a valid visa to visit Sharda Peeth on 30th September. The couple was received in Muzaffarabad by the members of a Civil society in PoK headed by Mohammad Rayees and Tanveer Ahmad.
Earlier at the Pakistani immigration the couple was not granted NOC to visit Sharda Peeth. The civil society requested PM of PoK to intervene and were later allowed to the nearest bank of Kishenganga river, where they performed the puja. The civil society members accompanied the pilgrim couple to the spot of Puja at Balseri in Tehsil Pateeka despite of heavy shelling on the same night. Notably, this year on 24th June, the Save Sharda committee coordinated in the first ever Hindu visit to Sharda Peeth by Pakistani Hindus.
Save Sharda committee hailed the efforts of Civil society of PoK for coordinating & facilitating puja near Sharda Peeth for the first time in 72 years. “We will continue in our efforts of reopening Sharda Peeth particularly in the wake of Kartarpur opening and may launch an agitation too, if needed” said Ravinder Pandita.
