Shrine gets forestland, Kashmir parties feud

PILGRIMS' PROGRESS: Separtist groups oppose land grant to Amarnath shrine board.

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Srinagar: Protests against the transfer of forestland to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) continued in Kashmir on Tuesday with the demonstrators clashing with the police and pelting stones at vehicles carrying pilgrims to the cave shrine.

Separatist groups allege the grant of nearly 100 acres of forestland in Baltal to the SASB is a Hindutva conspiracy and would harm the ecology of the mountains. The SASB hotly contests the allegation.

"An impression is being created the four lakh pilgrims on Amarnath Yatra contribute to pollution more than the 50 lakh residents of Kashmir,” said Arun Kumar, CEO of SASB.

But Kumar, who's also the Governor's principal secretary, is in the firing line of not just the hardliners. Even the People's Democratic Party, a partner in the ruling coalition, has sought action against him.

“Our party has lodged a complaint against him (Arun Kumar) for making inflammatory statements that are likely to cause mistrust and disaffection among religious groups,'' said PDP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig

The People's Democratic Party and the National Conference, which have their base in Kashmir Valley, have been vocal in their opposition to the land transfer. The Congress and the BJP, both strong in the Jammu region, on the other hand back the project.

“The Deputy Chief Minister has declared jehad in the guise of upholding the Constitution,” said Senior VHP leader Parveen Togadia.