Centre should intervene to resolve Amarnath land row: Dhumal

Shimla, Aug 12 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has sought immediate intervention of the Central government in resolving the Amarnath land issue erupted over the cancellation of the land allotted to the Amarnath Shrine Board.

"There was no reason, whatsoever, to the Jammu and Kashmir government to succumb to the pressure of a group of extremist elements to withdraw the land alloted to the board providing shelter to the devotees undertaking pilgrimage to Amarnath," he said.

Mr Dhumal said "the tradition of undertaking pilgrimage to the holy caves is in practice since immemorial and there has been complete religious and communal harmony during the ''Yatra'' since people from all faiths have been participating in the holy trip".

"Devotees from all over the world travel to Kashmir to undertake this pilgrimage and have given boost to religious tourism in the state." "Devotees' faith had been shattered due to the decision of the J and K government. The devotees have every right to retain the land they want to use during the holy Yatra," Mr Dhumal said.

"The Centre should act promptly and evaluate the gravity of the situation and direct the J and K government to restore the ownership of the land to the Amarnath Shrine Board so that religious and communal harmony is maintained in the country," he added.

UNI XC PS JS1537