Sought time to meet the Lieutenant Governor
DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Apr 30
Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit leaders today wrote a memorandum with their blood to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and requested for time to meet , demanding free registration for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2024, which is scheduled to continue from June 29 to August 19.
In a program organized today at Jammu Press Club, many senior party leaders including state chief Manish Sahni wrote a memorandum with their blood to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board) to make the registration system free for the devotees coming on Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Party state chief Manish Sahni said that the recovery in the name of registration on religious tours brings back memories of the Jaziya tax of the Mughal rule. He said that the pockets of the devotees coming on Amarnath Yatra become empty even before the formalities set for them. On that, Rs 150/- per passenger is being charged in the name of registration.
Sahni said that in a Hindu-majority country, the recovery of money in the name of registration on the religious pilgrimages of Hindus makes one bow one’s head in shame, which cannot be tolerated at all. He said that before the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, i.e. before 2019, the registration fee was just Rs 50/- per passenger. Which was continuously increased during the BJP rule and made Rs 220/- in 2023. After a series of protests by Shiv Sena(UBT) , a slight reduction has been made in it in 2024, but their demand is to make it completely free. Sahni said that their fight will continue until Shri Amarnath Yatra registration is made free.
Along with the memorandum, the Shiv Sainiks also wrote a request letter to meet the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir with their blood.
He said that despite making dozens of requests before this, they are not being given time. On this occasion Gen secretary Vikas Bakshi, Vice president Balwant Singh, President Kamghar wing Raj Singh were present.