Mahant avoiding appearance before Inquiry Commission: SASB

Srinagar, Aug 26 (UNI) The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) today alleged that Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was avoiding appearance before the Inquiry Commission probing the installation of artificial ice 'Shiva Lingam' at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir.

In a statement here, a Shrine Board spokesman said the Justice (Retd) K K Gupta Commission had thought it proper to record the statement of Mahant Deependra Giri. The Mahant was accordingly sent a notice to appear before the Commission on July 30, but he failed to do so, he added.

The spokesman said in the evening, the Commission Secretary sent an SMS on the Mahant's mobile phone, informing him to appear before the Commission on August one.

''The Mahant was well aware of the circumstances under which the Commission had been formed. In fact, the Mahant avoided appearance as he had given contradictory statements in the media and also criticised the SASB,'' he added.

The spokesman said the Mahant was attending almost all the SASB meetings and at times gave suggestion for prolonging the life of the Shivalingam at the Amarnath cave shrine.

''He was quite aware of all the facts and developments regarding the ice lingam at the holy cave shrine. Not owing any responsibility or not to appear before the Commission despite being a member of the Board was not proper for the Mahant who was dealing with the Charri Mubarak and other important affairs of the pilgrimage.'' The Mahant had held the board responsible for raising of the artificial icelingam at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, and also sought a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the issue.

About allegations of levying unjustified charges on ponywallas, labourers, tent and shop owners and langar organisations without giving any corresponding service in return, the Commission examined many contractors, ponywallas, labourers, shop owners, tent operators and received no complaints against the SASB, he added.

According to the spokesman, all of them stated that they were receiving payments from the SASB without paying any commission, which they used to pay earlier to the government functionaries.

The Commission also recorded that the SASB did not charge any amount from labourers as their rates were fixed by the state government. Some ponywallas who were summoned at Baltal informed the Commission that they charge Rs 1600 for one pony from Baltal to the holy cave and sometimes during heavy rush they even charge more without any interference from the SASB, he added.

About allegations that the SASB was functioning as a commercial organisation without caring for the welfare of pilgrims, the Commission said it has not been able to find out from the recorded evidence or other material placed that the board was working for the commercial purposes in any manner without caring for the welfare of the pilgrims, the spokesman said.

On the other hand, the Commission noted that since the creation of the SASB there were significant improvements in the successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage, he added.

According to the Commission, the SASB had planned the pilgrimage in an organised manner from both the routes and general satisfaction was felt by all devotees, the spokesman said.

UNI AG YA BD1501