Sri Sri Ravishankar serving interests of J-K separatists: VHP

, Jun 6: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad accused Art of Living founder

of serving the "interests of Kashmiri separatists" by not opposing the curtailment of the duration of the

yatra this year.

"Sri Sri Ravishankar seems to be interested in serving the interests of Kashmiri separatists rather than protecting the interests of the Shiv bhakts," VHP state president Ramakant Dubey said here. Dubey claimed that several Shiv 'bhakts' burnt effigies of Ravishankar in 12 different areas in Jammu.

The spiritual leader had said in Srinagar that there was no pressure on the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on deciding the duration of the Amarnath yatra, which was shortened keeping in view the safety of the pilgrims. "There was no pressure from any individual or organisation on us. It was purely a logistical challenge to ensure the safety of the yatris," he had said in a statement.

The yatra calendar this year was fixed by the SASB on the recommendations of a sub-committee headed by Ravishankar. "I want to ask Ravishankar and other members of the sub-committee why did they not raise their voice against the Board when it curtailed the two-month long Amarnath yatra to 39 days this year," Dubey said.

"The sub-committee is as responsible for the curtailment of the yatra, as is the Board," he added.

PTI