*Warns nationwide agitation
Excelsior Correspondent
LUDHIANA, Apr 3: Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisatiomn (SABLO) has expressed its shock and surprise after learning that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has hiked registration fee from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 for pilgrims for this year’s Yatra and termed the decision unreasonable, undesirable and uncalled for.
SABLO in a statement issued here, today said it strongly protested against this decision of SASB and has opposed this move tooth and nail. “We fail to understand the reason behind such a move,? Our member organizations have received large number of complaints from the dismayed pilgrims against this sudden and unusual increase of 100% in the registration fee of pilgrims without any rhyme or reason”, the statement added.
SABLO has sent a mail to Governor of the State , Satya Pal Malik who is also Chairman of SASB lodging their strong protest against this uncalled for 100% hike in the registration fee of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2019 and has demanded immediate withdrawal of the same.
The mail addressed to Governor reads “you will appreciate that this registration is being done by SASB for participating in Shri Amarnath yatra which is one of the holiest pilgrimage of Hindus not only of India but also at the Globe level,. This decision, particularly at a time when the number of Yatris is already on a decline every year from last 4-5 years, will further discourage Yatris from undertaking this pilgrimage”, the letter added.
The letter said in fact, keeping in view the prevailing circumstances in the Valley and falling number of Yatri’s each year, the SASB should have decided to provide registration absolutely free of cost instead of doubling the fee.
The SABLO said what is more baffling is that, out of registration charges of Rs.100, the bank is only getting Rs. 15 for its services and major chunk of Rs. 85 is going to the coffers of Shrine Board. There is no logic for charging such a high amount since SASB is not any profit oriented organization and was founded for the help, convenience and providing facilities such as night stay, worship, safe and comfortable pilgrimage.
When on the one hand huge amount of subsidy is being given to Haj pilgrims, then this hefty amount of registration fee imposed by the SASB is being looked as if Jajia is being charged and collected from pilgrims under the pretext of registration. Such a step on the part of Shrine Board is completely anti Hindu and anti-religious, SABLO handout said. “It appears that this has been done deliberately with an intention to discourage the Hindu pilgrims from undertaking this yatra of international importance which further integrates J&K with India”, the handout added.
SABLO, an Apex Body and one of the important stake holders during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, strongly condemns such a move on the part of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and strongly urged it to withdraw this hike in Registration fee immediately without any further delay in the interest of Yatris undertaking Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
In case this 100% increase in the registration fee is not withdrawn then SABLO, its member organisations and pilgrims shall be constrained to launch a nationwide agitation and resort to other democratic measures available in a peaceful manner.
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