Srinagar, Nov 05 : In a significant development, Centre is mulling to change the names of all the important places in Kashmir that includes Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Sher-e-Kashmir Park , Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium and Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium (SKIS).

The move comes close on the heels of official declaration of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as two Union Territories (UTs). Reliable sources told wire service— that the names of significant places that are in the name of National Conference founder late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah who was known as “Sher-e-Kashmir”—the Lion of Kashmir.

In Srinagar, there are scores of places that are in the name of Sher-e-Kashmir. Sources revealed that Centre is planning to change the names of all important places in Srinagar that are in the name of Sher-e-Kashmir or somebody else.

“All these places or institutions will be re-named after Sardar Valabhai Patel and some other BJP founders like Murarji Desai etc. Discussion in this regard is on and final call is expected by November 15,” an official in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), told.

A senior BJP leader in Srinagar disclosed that this was the long demand of the BJP’s Kashmir unit that all the institutions or significant places be renamed after Sardar Valabhai Patel. “Some parties in Kashmir were of the belief that these places were their personal properties as they were in the name of their ancestors.

“To teach them a lesson, we have proposed name of Sardar Valabhai Patel for all these important institutions and places in Jammu as well as in Srinagar,” he said. “Deliberations are on over the issue and we are hopeful that final call will be taken soon.”(KNO)