Some elements unleashing unfounded allegations: SASB

Srinagar, July 3 (UNI) The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) today regretted that certain elements have unleashed unfounded allegations about the conduct of the Amarnath pilgrimage this year with regard to pollution, levies on porters or ponywallas, construction of concrete buildings on the forest land and laying of roads.

In a statement here, an SASB spokesman regretted that in the recent past a whole lot of unfounded allegations have been unleashed by certain elements with regard to the conduct of the Amarnath pilgrimage this year.

''These allegations pertain to pollution, levies on porters or ponywallas, construction of concrete buildings on the forest land and laying of roads,'' he added.

The spokesman said not a single permanent building or road has been constructed by the Board.

''All this appears is being done with the sole purpose of discrediting the Shrine Board and scuttling the Amarnath pilgrimage,'' he claimed.

However, the spokesman said it was encouraging to note that this year, in the past 22 days, 1.60 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine as against 1.33 lakh during the corresponding period in 2005.

The Board was also encouraged by a host of pilgrims, including the well-known spiritual Guru, Murari Bapu, and several groups and individuals, he added.

The spokesman said all them have been of full praise for the arrangements by the Board for convenience of the devotees.

UNI AG MSJ GC1920