SASB-J

Srinagar, Jun 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the transfer of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was a small issue which could be resolved very soon.

The state government and the SASB can resolve the land transfer crisis amicably very soon, Mr Azad said, adding ''we have made some headway on the issue.'' In a recorded message on Srinagar Doordarshan here this afternoon he said, ''I believe that there is no issue which can not be resolved amicably.'' This is a very small issue which can be resolved by the SASB and government, he said, adding some progress had been made and he was sure that a solution would emerge very soon.

The Chief Minister said people in the Kashmir valley and Jammu region should maintain peace and communal harmony and not get misled by anyone.

He said several people and organisations were trying to mislead the people that concrete buildings would be constructed and people from other Indian states would be settled there.

''It is totally wrong, unfounded and mischievous,'' he said, adding that the vested interests were spreading these rumours for personal gains.

This is just propaganda, Mr Azad said, adding that he had made it clear that nobody would be allowed to construct any structure till the issue is resolved.

''I am happy that new Governor N N Vohra, who is also chairman of the SASB, expressed the same view on the construction on the land.'' MORE UNI BAS RR GC1807