Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti calls Jammu shutdown

Jammu, Jul 24: The Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS) will observe a shutdown in Jammu on Thursday, July 24, against the revocation of the State Government's order to transfer 40 hectares of forest land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

The shutdown follows the death of Kuldeep Kumar Dogra, an activist of the trust in a hospital in Jammu on Wednesday, July 23 afternoon. He fell unconscious during a chain hunger strike. Addressing a press conference Wednesday, July 23 evening, SASS convener Leela Karan Sharma said that the shutdown, including a 'chakka jam' would be observed throughout the region on Thursday in homage to Dogra. Sharma warned that the Samiti would intensify its agitation if its demands were not met.

The SASS has been demanding removal of State Governor N. N. Vohra for surrendering the responsibility of running the affairs of the SASB to the Government and for returning the forestland that was meant for the board. The State Government on July 1 had revoked its order for transferring land to the SASB by taking over the responsibilities of taking care of Amarnath pilgrims.

ANI