Government responsible for yatra controversy, we will reverse it, NC

Srinagar, Jun 19 (UNI) Holding the coalition government responsible for the controversy over the forest land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), the National Conference (NC), main opposition party in Jammu and Kashmir said it will reverse the decision if voted to power.

The contradictory statements being issued by coalition ministers belonging to different parties for petty political considerations almost daily were mainly responsible for the present controversy over land transfer to SASB, the NC patron Dr Farooq Abdullah told reporters here today.

He said the statements of Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, forest minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal, some Congress ministers and leaders and Cheif Executive Officer of the SASB are contradictory, creating confusion.

Former Chief Minister said the annual Amarnath yatra has always been a smooth affair in the past. However, he said, the present regime has earned a dubious distinction of creating problems now.

He said since the present coalition government took over, the people have all along been apprehending that it has been pursuing a hidden agenda to erode and distort the identity and special constitutional position of the state.

The transferring the forest land in violation of all norms and clear guidelines issued by the Supreme Court provide substance to these apprehensions, the NC patron said.

During the yatra period, facilities besides security measures were being provided by the governments in the past even before Shrine Board came into existence. As and when needed, extra facilities were also arranged.

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