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Jaipur, July 1 (UNI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today said the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to give up its claim on the land provided for the convenience and security of the devotees visiting the holy shrine of Amarnath Temple was not in the national interest.

In a statement here Ms Raje said the Important project formulated by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board in October 2004 for providing facilities to the pilgrims at seven rest houses of Baltaal and Chandanwadi Cave located on the way to Amarnath Shrine, was indeed a commendable step. However, the recent decision to give up is claim on the land even after depositing the stipulated amount of Rs 2.3 crore for providing facilities to pilgrims, was not only unreasonable but also beyond comprehension.

The Chief Minister said, ''Lakhs of devotees from all over the country visit Kashmir every year to worship the holy 'Shivling' of Amarnath. It is the state's responsibility to provide all essential facilities to these devotees.'' Ms Raje said, ''Now the time has to come to understand and practise secularism in the right perspective so that the religious sentiments of the citizens practicing various religions and faiths are respected in true letter and spirit as enshrined in our Constitution.'' UNI SS MKS PK CS2252