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| Competitive Kashmir politics on Amarnath Yatra again….? | | NC, separatists rake up 'environment ploy' in opposing proposals | | early times report
Jammu, Aug 17: Even as the holy Amarnath Yatra this year has concluded on a reaffirming note from the SASB that it would provide augmented facilities for pilgrims in future and at the same time take full care of environmental issues, the annual pilgrimage has once again become the centre of controversy with ruling National Conference and separatists this time indulging in a competitive race and scoring points in opposing proposals that can facilitate the Yatra and offer some relief to pilgrims on arduous tracks. Reacting promptly, BJP has, however, contested both on the points, it says have logical arguments.
After NC's MP, GN Rattanpuri raked it up with stiff opposition to any move granting extension in the period of pilgrimage, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today cautioned the government against converting the track leading to the holy Amarnath Cave into a permanent road and contended any such step would not only lead to felling of lakhs of lush green forest trees, but could also lead to environmental imbalance in the area."It is unfortunate that when the government senses any public resentment on certain issues, they use courts to get them through", the Mirwaiz said during his address to the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid.
The upshot argument of Mirwaiz in saying this was that Kashmiris were never averse to providing better facilities to the Amarnath Pilgrims. " They are offered traditional hospitality ……… But now some people want the 'temporary' track leading to the shrine cave to be developed as a full fledged road and have approached supreme court….' . One more high point of Mirwaiz's statement on Amarnath Yatra today was to hit the mainstream politicians , albeit without naming any party, whom he lashed out and even alleged they were 'murderers ' of people, and actually well wishers . Whatever might have been the target and aim of Mirwaiz in raking up an issue which has no relevance , at least at present when the Yatra is over, the utterings are only being seen as commencement of a phase of competitive Kashmir centric politics over the holy pilgrimage.
BJP's chief spokesperson and member national executive Dr Jitendera Singh has contested statements from both NC as well as separatist camp. The BJP leader has blamed SASB for creating this atmosphere in which, he said Kashmir based politicians have begun to rake up the issue on one or the other pretext. "SASB was created to function in an independent and autonomous manner for the benefits and betterment of the pilgrims…but it has been seen working under the influence of or at the behest of ruling parties and taking certain steps which only amount to creating confusion and ambiguity…..this is only to appease Kashmir centric politicians whether mainstream or separatists…", Dr Singh said .
In order to substantiate his point, the BJP leader said SASB must govern and guide itself also as per the provisions of Article 46 of Indian Constitution the spirit of which envisages right to freedom of religion which makes it incumbent upon the Board to create conditions conducive for pilgrims in terms of augmented facilities. "Just like the government makes such facilities while undertaking Haj pilgrimage on the same analogy the government must think and act for Amarnath pilgrims ….you cannot deprive any citizen in advanced age of wish to have darshans for want of proper facilities…." The BJP leader observed , asserting that it in this context the SASB must consider actively the proposal to provide a permanent track for pilgrims.
Dr Singh contested the argument on reducing the number of pilgrims or the tenure of Yatra on the pretext of ecology and environment as contended time and again by NC or separatists and said the logic simply suggests that they must first announce restricting of tourist season to a month or so and also allow a far reduced inflow of tourist to Kashmir. " This step would also save the entire valley from getting polluted on a host of fronts…..", he observed. If they fail to do so their argument reflects and betrays some hidden agenda ……not being on objective logic instead shows bias against the people belonging to one community.
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