NEW DELHI, July 12:
Expressing concern over the death of more than 70 Amarnath pilgrims, BJP today charged that a “lethargic” Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Centre as well as the curtailing of the yatra’s duration “under pressure from separatists” were responsible for it.
“One of the highest revered and most religious pilgrimage centres of Hindus has become a target of Jammu and Kashmir Government’s lethargic approach and a complete lack of facilities and infrastructure resulting in one of the highest number of deaths of pilgrims on their way to the shrine. This is most deplorable,” BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said.
A delegation of BJP leaders will meet Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday and later call on Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra to press for action on the issue.
BJP alleged that the separatist elements have been demanding curtailment, stoppage and reducing the duration of the yatra.
“They have succeeded in reducing the duration of the yatra which has resulted in the tragic situation contributing to increasing number of deaths of the pilgrims. In just 17 days, more than 60 pilgrims have died,” Vijay said.
According to reports, 67 pilgrims have died. Duration of the yatra was reduced from 60 to 39 days this year.
BJP insisted that those who have lost their lives are not just the old but even people in the age group of 22-26 as well as Army jawans and “young, acclimatized” local porters.
Vjay charged the State Government with showing apathy to the sufferings of the Amarnath pilgrims.
Vijay demanded that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah “check the situation and review the facilities”.
He sought to know why Home Minister P Chidambaram is still silent on this issue.
Vijay questioned why “only Hindu pilgrim centres are controlled by the State.
The opposition party maintained that the pilgrimage benefits the locals and also contributes to the economy of the State.
“For last several centuries this shrine has been a great symbol of communal harmony. It is conducted with the joint effort of Hindus and Muslims,” Vijay said.
BJP said the health facilities being provided to the yatris are located at intervals of 6 to 10 km and there are no emergency services.
“Government has also introduced a strange queue system at an altitude of 11,000-13,500 metres,” Vijay said.
Though the number of pilgrims has risen every year despite terrorist threats, the Government has not made any efforts to improve the infrastructure, he added.
BJP also pointed out that even the helicopter service has lacunae as the chopper lands quite far off from the shrine. (PTI)
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