Hurriyat (G) Opposes 55-Day Amarnath Yatra

‘It’s Offensive; Hold Pilgrimage On Gangotri Pattern’

Srinagar, Feb 1: Hurriyat Conference (G) led by Syed Ali Geelani Friday opposed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s (SASB) 55-day Yatra schedule, saying the move is offensive and that the Hurriyat will discuss the issue in its executive council meeting soon.
“This is so unfortunate that SASB has extended the Yatra duration up to 55 days,” said a Hurriyat (G) spokesman in a statement here. “The decision is offensive. We will convene a session of the executive council to discuss the issue and to formulate our strategy.”
The spokesman said the decision taken by the SASB has once again made it clear that New Delhi doesn’t care about the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
“The SASB decision has also made it clear that J&K authorities were just stooges before New Delhi. It is so unfortunate that instead of raising voice against the move, the authorities here have maintained a silence.” He said the schedule announced by the SASB indicates that “there exists a State within the State.”
“We consider the issue as of a serious nature. For guidance, we are in touch with the Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Geelani. It is a matter of dignity and prestige. We won’t allow the 55-day Yatra as it would prove disastrous for us in future,” the spokesman said. He said the Hurriyat was neither against the Yatra nor the Hindu religion.
“We will continue to play a host and show our hospitality. At the same time, we won’t allow anything that would harm the state’s interests,” the Hurriyat spokesman said. “We feel the Amarnath pilgrimage should be conducted on the Gangotri pattern.”