Srinagar, Jan 29 : Defying the staff of the Archaeological Survey of India, a group of Hindus forced their entry into the ASI protected Martand Sun Temple in J&K’s Anantnag district the same day the 'Pran Pratishtha' took place at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

A late report said that on January 22 members of a Hindu religious group forced their way into the ASI protected site to offer prayers.

Despite their entry into the Martand Sun Temple situated in Anantnag district of the Valley, ASI staff said the group was not allowed to squat inside the ruins of the 8th century temple built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of Karkota dynasty.

The temple was dedicated by the King to Hindu god Surya also known as Martand in Sanskrit language.

Reports said the group of Hindus had come from Bharatpur in Rajasthan and they unfurled a saffron flag inside the temple complex after completing ‘Parikrama’ while chanting Hanuman Chalisa on January 22.