KATHMANDU, Nov 25: The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has denied any decision or approval regarding the construction of a Pashupatinath temple in India. In response to reports in both Nepali and Indian media, PADT asserted that it would never engage in matters that compromise the national identity.
In a statement issued today, PADT clarified that there is no official endorsement, agreement, or decision by the Board of Directors concerning the construction of a Pashupatinath Temple in the village of Bipin Rawat, Uttarakhand, India, as reported in newspapers. The PADT emphasized that such information was not provided by them, and no decision has been made to initiate any correspondence on this matter.
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The statement expressed regret for any distress caused to devotees and the Hindu community due to the circulated news, assuring the public that the trust would not involve itself in issues that jeopardize national identity.
Indian newspaper Nawa Bharat Times and its online edition Nawa Bharat Times.com had reported on the alleged approval for the construction of a Pashupatinath Temple in Sain village, associated with former Indian Army General Bipin Rawat. The news was published under the headline 'Pahle Sods Rahe General Bipin Rawat Ke Sain Gaon Me Banega Pashupatinath Mandir Ab Uttarakhand Mein Honge Panch Bam.'
Similarly, Gorkha Express weekly published a news article on November 20 with the title 'Pashupatinath construction has been approved in India.'
