Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 18: Various social and political organizations have strongly condemned the curtailing of annual Swami Amarnath yatra duration from 60 days to 40 days.
Parbhari of 10 States of Shiv Sena Vinay Shulka and State President Dimpy Kohli today criticized State Government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board for reducing duration of annual Amarnath Yatra to 40 days from 60 days.
While talking to media persons here today Shiv Sena Bala Sahib Thackery leaders said that Hindus are totally shocked on the unmindful decision of the Government and SASB to reduce the yatra period to just 40 days. He said that this is really strange that when so called nationalists i.e. BJP is in Government at the Centre and in the State Yatra period has been reduced to just 40 days which is a big injustice with Hindus.
He said that religious sentiments of Hindus are hurt by this decision of State Government and SASB.
SS leaders expressed their surprise how the yatra period was reduced from 90 days to 60 days. Later it was reduced from 60 days to 48 days. It said that the latest gift awarded by the coalition Government is very unfortunate and unacceptable that the yatra period now has been reduced to just 40 days. He said that this is a big conspiracy against Hindus who are getting step motherly treatment by the successive Central and State Governments.
The Shiv Sena Hindustan (SSH) today threatened to launch a State-wide agitation to protest against the curtailment of Amarnath yatra duration from 60 days to 40 days and demanded the resignation of Governor NN Vohra as chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).
Addressing Media persons here, today national vice president and State president Shiv Sena Hindustan, Pt. Rajesh Kesri said that the Board has no locus -standi in selection of duration of yatra and its date should be left to dharmachariyas. The religious shrines are for promotion of peace, tranquility and brotherhood and not disputes among the communities, he added.
It is unfortunate that the holy Amarnath Yatra is always becoming center of controversy, which should be averted and the Government should concede the genuine demand of the devotees. Kesri demanded that first Poojan of Yatra should be held on Jesth Poornima, and the Pooja should be held at holy cave of Shri Amarnath ji. “This is old tradition which is being followed since many centuries”, he added.
He further said, “All the vehicles carrying food material for Langars or pilgrims should be exempted from Toll Tax. Pilgrims be given subsidy in railway and air fares like Hajj pilgrims. Security should be given to workers of Langars at Pahalgam, Baltal and at other places where Langars are organized”.
Janata Dal Secular (JDS) has also condemned the curtailing of Amarnath Yatra to 40 days. In a meeting held here today under the leadership of Mast Nath Yogi State Unit president of the Party it said the decision ahs hurt the public sentiments. The meeting demanded that the decision be revoked immediately.
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