SASB says PDP statement will jeopardise tourism in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 6 (UNI) A day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) of functioning in an arbitrary manner, the religious body hit back at the ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such ''unfortunate'' statements will ''jeopardise'' tourism in the Valley.

An SASB spokesman regretted the PDP statement alleging isolation of locals of Pahalgam and Kangan area from this year's pilgrimage.

''The Shrine Board believes that the Amarnath pilgrimage is incomplete without the active support of the locals,'' he added.

The spokesman described as ''baseless'' the allegation that ponywallas and labourers where being charged Rs 2400 for extending services to the pilgrims.

''The allegations that the SASB was attempting to create a wedge between the locals and the pilgrims are mischievous and unfortunate.

Such a surprising comment by a responsible political party only vitiates the atmosphere of tranquility,'' he added.

The spokesman also allayed the fears about the environmental degradation in the area due to the pilgrimage, saying elaborate measures have been taken to preserve and maintain the ecology.

He said hundreds of locals were engaged in track clearance and raising infrastructure at Baltal and enroute the holy cave shrine for which the board was spending crore of rupees.

The spokesman referred to repeated statements by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, who is also the chairman of the SASB, that this important pilgrimage was not possible without the hospitality and cooperation of the majority community.

Gen Sinha has complimented the people of Kashmir, particularly of Pahalgam and Kangan areas, many times for their wholehearted support and hospitality which resulted in manifold increase in the influx of pilgrims during the past few years, he added.

The spokesman said the governor expressed the hope that all the segments of the society would continue to extend all possible support for successful conduct of the pilgrimage in true spirit of Kashmir's pluralistic ethos.

He said such statements would ''jeopardise'' tourism in Kashmir.

In a statement here yesterday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the Board of ''functioning in an arbitrary manner'' and depriving the locals of bread and butter by imposing restrictions on their association with the annual pilgrimage.

Ms Mufti 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 does not result in destabilising its ecological balance.

UNI AG AK KP1215