Jammu, March 27: Jammu and Kashmir government today admitted in the State Assembly that 170 temples had been damaged in the militancy-related incidents in Kashmir valley in past 20 years.
Replying to a question from Jugal Kishore of BJP, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla said in written reply that as many as 170 temples had been damaged during past two decades of militancy in Kashmir valley.
He further said there were 430 temples in the valley before the migration of Kashmiri pandits (KPs) in wake of eruption of terrorism in 1989.
Bhalla said 90 temples have also been renovated in the valley for which Rs 33 lakh have been spent.
The ex-gratia relief is provided for renovation of temples which suffered damage as result of militancy related incidents, he said.
The district administration and police authorities ensure that religious places and temples are protected, the minister said.