Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: VHP today demanded opening of Drass- Kargil route for Amarnath pilgrims in view of the security problems in Kashmir Valley.
The demand was made by VHP international joint general secretary Dr Surinder Jain while talking to reporters here today. He said in view of disturbances created by the separatists and militants to yatris last year the authorities should open the Leh, Kargil , Drass and Baltla route this year to holy cave for pilgrims. He said VHP strongly advocates for construction of an alternative route to cave shrine.
Dr Jain said this route involves least facilities and pilgrims can start early in the morning from Drass and return to Drass after performing darshan at holy cave in the evening provided the traffic is managed proficiently at Jozilla Pass. He also stressed online advance registration for all periods excluding first 15 days of yatra.
He said for last over five years the number of yatris visiting holy cave has started declining. There is rush in first 15 days of yatra and then the number starts declining. He said Baba Amarnath Buda Amarnath (BABA) Yatri Niyas was framed as unified representative body as per suggestions of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and with a special purpose i.e for ensuring smooth coordination between SASB and stake holders.
He appealed the SASB to give due representation to BABA Niyas in yatra decision making process. He demanded earliest starting of the yatra every year. He also demanded opening of Baltal route earlier as per recommendations of Justice Mukharjee and Justice Kohli Commission recommendations.
He stressed on construction of alternative route to holy cave as per Apex Court directives. He also urged the SASB to cooperate fully with Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas in ensuring fool proof security to Amarnath and Buda Amarnath yatris.
He said entire track be sanitized and security for pilgrims be beefed up to avert any untoward incident.
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