SASB functioning in arbitrary manner: Mehbooba

Srinagar, June 5 (UNI) The People's Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, today accused the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) of ''functioning in arbitrary manner'' and depriving the locals of bread and butter by imposing restrictions on their association with the annual pilgrimage.

A PDP press release here said residents of Kangan and Pahalgam have expressed distress over the proposed move by the SASB to impose restrictions on the association of locals with the arrangements of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

It said deputations from Kangan and Pahalgam called on PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti here today and apprised her of their concerns.

The locals complained that besides imposing various arbitrary restrictions, the Board has asked the labourers, ponywallas and tent owners to deposit a registration fee of Rs 2400 with it from this year, the press release said.

It said the locals asked how could a poor labourer afford to pay Rs 2400 when he was not sure about the returns.

They also expressed dismay over the erection of huge concrete structures and construction of roads in the areas surrounding the holy cave shrine, the release added.

The locals told Ms Mufti that such a move would not only deprive the locals of livelihood, but also destabilise the ecological balance in the area resulting in an eminent environmental disaster.

The deputations, according to the PDP, lamented that an effort was being made by the SASB to create a wedge between the locals and the pilgrims.

They said the locals have since ages played a crucial role in the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and any move to isolate them could have serious repercussions, the release added.

The locals told Ms Mufti that SASB authorities should respect their sensitivities and instead of trying to isolate them, ensure their active involvement in the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

According to the PDP release, the locals threatened to resort to protests as had been done by the Katra town residents who were recently up in arms against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, demanding a share in the earnings.

Expressing concern, Ms Mufti assured the deputations that she would raise the issues at the appropriate level and ensure that the locals were not deprived of their bread and butter by the arbitrary functioning of the Shrine Board authorities.

She said the involvement of locals was imperative for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and the Shrine Board must ensure that they do not feel isolated and dejected.

The PDP president said the state government should ensure that any construction in the area did not destabilise its ecological balance.

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