Kashmiri Pandit Conference hits at ‘mischief mongers’ defaming Durga Nag Trust (DNT)

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, APRIL 18 (STC): Durga Nag Trust (DNT) is not merely a structure, it is a spiritual institution, a historical legacy, and a cultural anchor of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Those managing it—its trustees—are fulfilling their duties with dedication, dignity, and devotion, without any personal gain. To question their integrity without any evidence is not only irresponsible but deeply insulting to the collective conscience of the community.
Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) President Kundan Kashmiri has stated this in a statement issued to the press.
His statement comes in response to “an orchestrated campaign of misinformation and defamation being spread by a handful of individuals targeting prestigious institutions like the Durga Nag Trust (DNT), and in particular, maligning its trustees without a shred of evidence or legal standing.’
“Let it be made clear to these self-styled “social media warriors,” who have turned WhatsApp into their personal battleground, that truth is not decided by loud voices, baseless posts, or malicious gossip. Truth is established through facts, transparency, and legal accountability,” the KPC president said in the statement.

One of the most absurd and laughable accusations being thrown around is that the trustees are “staying in the Durga Nag Trust premises.” We ask, if the trustees who are managing the Trust and Temple are not supposed to work or stay within the premises, then where should they go? Is a police officer expected to pay rent for working in a police station? Should an office clerk be charged for sitting in his office while performing official duties? Is a teacher supposed to pay for class room where he teaches the students.Then why this twisted logic that trustees, who are voluntarily managing the affairs of a large religious institution, are not allowed to use the Trust premises for administrative and functional needs?
Kundan said the Trustees are lawfully operating from the Trust premises, serving yatris, managing temple services, handling accounts, supervising facilities, and addressing daily challenges associated with running one of the most significant religious centers in Srinagar.

“Another misleading charge being spread is that rooms for yatris should be given free of cost. The reality is that rooms at Durga Nag Temple Complex are offered at a highly subsidized rate of just Rs. 700 per night. Each room includes an attached bathroom, proper bedding, chairs, a table, water jug, and other facilities—all located in the heart of Srinagar city. Comparable accommodations in the same area cost nothing less than Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 per night’l he said.
The nominal charge of Rs. 700 is not for profit—it simply helps to cover essential maintenance, staff salaries, electricity, water, and other operational costs, he added. “Those shouting for free rooms must answer: who will bear the cost? Will these same WhatsApp warriors contribute even a single rupee to the Trust’s expenses?” reads the statement of the KPC president.

He warned that Durga Nag Trust is not a political stage, nor is it a platform to settle personal frustrations. Those spreading lies and manipulating public emotions are trying to damage a sacred institution for selfish motives. “The Trustees throw an open and final challenge to these mischief-makers: if you have any genuine evidence of financial misappropriation or wrongdoing, approach the court or the appropriate administrative authorities. If even one piece of real proof is found, all trustees are ready to resign and face consequences. But if you fail—which you surely will—then be prepared for serious legal consequences: defamation cases, financial compensation claims running into crores, and permanent social discredit for defaming a religious institution,” he said. (STC)