“Pilgrims had already reached the Valley or made arrangements expecting the pilgrimage to run until 9 August. They had to return disappointed after not being allowed to have darshan,” he said.Questioning the authorities’ claim that tracks had been damaged due to bad weather, the SABLO president asked how the Charri Mubarak, along with saints and officials, continued its journey through the same terrain.The Yatra will conclude on Raksha Bandhan (today) after the Charri Mubarak reaches the Amarnath cave in the south Kashmir Himalayas. “Why are motorable roads, JCBs, bulldozers, and vehicles operational if the route is unsafe for pilgrims?” Gupta questioned, seeking answers from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the Yatra.SABLO has sought a detailed explanation from the SASB for the premature stoppage of the Yatra. “We seek an unconditional apology from SASB for closing the Yatra before the announced dates. It should also provide financial compensation of Rs. 5,00,000 to each and every Bhandara organisation and Rs. 10,000 to other stakeholders like ponnywallas, palkiwallas, porters, camping agencies, etc.,” Gupta said.“If a closure is necessary, it must be communicated clearly in writing at least 15 days in advance,” he added, stressing the need to protect not only religious sentiments but also the livelihoods dependent on the Yatra.The SABLO president warned that if SASB fails to take corrective measures and uphold the sanctity, tradition and faith associated with the Yatra, they may take legal recourse to uphold the rights of pilgrims and Bhandara organisations.SABLO has also written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of India and the J&K High Court, apprising them about the closure of the Yatra before its scheduled end and seeking necessary action to prevent premature closures in the future.
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