To check Separatists & terrorist, Hand over Amaranath Yatra route to Army: VHP
VHP Letter to SASB & CM demanded measures for safe & smooth Yatra in 2017
New Delhi May 08, 2017. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded foolproof safety & security & opening of Drass- Kargil route for Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir Valley. VHP sent letters to the Chairman Shri Amarnath Shrine Board(SASB) NN Vohra & the state Chief Minister Mahbooba Mufti for safe & smooth conduct of the yatra. In his letters, the International joint general secretary VHP Dr Surindra Kumar Jain said that in view of the disturbances created by the stone pelters, separatists and terrorists to yatris last years, the authorities should not only open the Leh-Kargil-Drass-Baltal route but also, the entire yatra routes should be handed over to the Army, with free hand, a week before the commencement of the yatra this year. This was also one of the routes recommended to Hon. Supreme court & SASB last time. The disturbing elements should be dealt with firmly, he demanded.
This route requires least facilities and pilgrims can start early in the morning from Drass and return back after performing darshan at holy cave in the same evening provided, the traffic is managed proficiently at Jozilla Pass. This route was recommended by Justice Mukharjee and Justice Kohli Commissions too. The route should be announced & advertise immediately. The entire track be sanitized and security for pilgrims be beefed up to avert any untoward incident, he added
The VHP letter also demanded that a perfectly designed Disaster Management and Evacuation Plans (to handle Yatris with least inconvenience) should be prepared in advance keeping in view the possible threats of man-made / natural obstructions in Yatra. Service tax on helicopter services and other levies on pilgrims in J&K should immediately be withdrawn as these are being seen as Jazia by Hindu devotees visiting J&K for pilgrimage purposes. Vehicles carrying pilgrims bound for Shri Anmarnathji Yatra should be exempted from road tax and other taxes enroute as a goodwill gesture from State Government.
Looking to the heavy traffic congestion experienced every year on national highways and other Yatra routes during Yatra period, a comprehensive traffic management plan is demanded including the utilization of Srinagar Jammu road via Bafliaz and Rajouri. It will help restore the declining Yatra numbers, the letter said.
While demanding earliest starting of the yatra every year, he also stressed the need to give due representation in SASB to BABA Niyas in yatra decision making process. He urged the SASB to cooperate fully with Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas in ensuring fool proof safety, security & convenience to Amarnath and Buda Amarnath yatris. It should be noted that 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 for ensuring smooth coordination between SASB and stake holders.
Dr. Jain demanded online advance registration for all periods excluding first 15 days of yatra. 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.
At the beginning of the letters released to the media by the national spokesman VHP shri Vinod Bansal today, Dr. jain said that Jammu & Kashmir is considered as heaven on earth. It attracts tourists from across the world. Apart from leisure tourism there are many Hindu pilgrimages which are considered as very pious by the Hindus globally. Pilgrim tourism has always been the backbone of J&K’s economy. The sentiments of Hindu society are very well connected with these pious places throughout ages. Baba Amarnathji Yatra has a very important place among all these Yatras. The sentiments of all Shiv Bhakts are hurt very deeply when the Yatra is disturbed by anti-national elements.
Dr. Jain appeal the shivbhakts to come in large numbers, as because the administration has assured that Yatra will be safe this year despite the situation prevailing at some parts of the Valley.
Regards
Vinod Bansal
(National Spokesman)
Vishwa Hindu Parishad
@vinod_bansal M- 9810949109
Attachments:
Letter to CM JNK 4 Amar Nath Yatra 217
Letter to Governor JNK 4 Amarnath Yatra 2917
PR 170508 Amarnath Yatra 2017
Source: World Hindu News (WHN)