Seer questions role of Amarnath shrine board

The Shankaracharya even blamed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board for having a part in the whole controversy. Questioning its role, he asked that why, for example, had the board charged Rs 10,000 from volunteer organisations for setting up langars for the Amarnath pilgrims. ‘‘It was like jazia, which the Mughals used to take from Hindus during their rule in the country.’’

‘‘Even if some amount is being charged from volunteer organisations, it should be spent on maintenance of Hindu shrines of Kashmir, which the board can do since it is an autonomous body,’’ the Shankaracharya said. The board, he stressed, should ensure that the yatra remains a pilgrimage and not a tourist promotion centre.

According to him, efforts were being made to stop the Amarnath Yatra at the ‘‘behest’’ of Pakistan, and that some political parties were playing a role.

The Shankaracharya also demanded action against those involved in any kind of breach. ‘‘Whether the Shivalingam at the Amarnath cave was natural or not is debatable. But even if the board had done something, it should have taken the people into confidence. The employees involved should be punished and they should seek an apology from the people.’’