'An Assuring Convergence Of Views Has Emerged'

Following is the text read out by Governor's adviser S S Bloeria and ShriAmarnath Sangarsh Samiti convener Leela Karan Sharma during a joint pressconference soon after the forth round of talks concluded during the wee hourshere.

1. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which has been going on for many centuries, is ashining symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Jammu & Kashmir andreflective of the state's composite heritage. The yatris have been welcomed withopen arms by the people of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions and all requiredfacilities have been made available for them.

Sadly, certain decisions of the state government relating to the yatra createdmisunderstandings which led to controversy and agitation and loss of manyprecious lives. Apart from the damage to property, there has been a colossalloss to the state's economy in different sectors like transport, trade,industry, horticulture and tourism.

2. The yatra to Shri Amarnathji Shrine has traditionally benefited a largenumber of local residents, many of whom have crucial dependence on this annualpilgrimage for their livelihood.

3. There has been no occasion in the past on which the state government hasfailed to provide the required support for the conduct of the Amarnathji Yatra.On the contrary, the extent and nature of governmental support to the yatra hasbeen progressively enhancing, from year to year.

4. In view of the need to seek a peaceful resolution of the fundamental issues,to settle all existing doubts and clarify the continuing responsibility of theShri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir hadconstituted, on 6 August, 2008, a four-member Committee comprising: Dr. S. S.Bloeria, Advisor to Governor Justice (Retd) Shri G. D. Sharma Prof. AmitabhMattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Shri B. B. Vyas, PrincipalSecretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

5. The Committee held three rounds of discussions with the four-member Committeenominated by the Shri Amarnathji Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS) which comprisedShri Tilak Raj Sharma Brif (Retd) Suchet Singh Prof. Narinder Singh Shri PawanKohli

6. The Governor has also held discussions with the leaders of political, social,religious, academic and other organizations in the Kashmir Valley. Thepredominant view, emerging out of the consultations, is that the AmarnathjiYatra, which is a centuries old tradition of J&K's rich composite heritage,will continue to be welcomed and supported by the people of Kashmir, in everypossible way.

It was also felt that while the Shrine Board could continue to use the land, asin the past, for yatra purposes, nothing should be done to alienate or transferthe land. While an assuring convergence of views has emerged, the Governor iscommitted to continuing the consultative process to ensure against any remainingmisunderstanding whatsoever on an issue which has earlier led to seriousmisperceptions and human and economic loss. 

Based on detailed discussions and deliberations held in the recent weeks, thefollowing framework of action for resolving the issue relating to the use ofland for the period of yatra by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, at Baltal andDomail, has been agreed to:-

A. The State Government shall set aside for the use by Shri Amarnathji ShrineBoard, exclusively, the land in Baltal and Domail (Compartment No. 63/S, SindhForest Division) comprising an area of 800 kanals, traditionally under use forthe annual yatra purposes.

B. The proprietary status/ownership/title of the land shall not undergo anychange.

C. The Board shall use the aforesaid land for the duration of the yatra(including the period of making the required arrangements and winding up of thesame) for the purpose of user by various service providers according to itsneeds and priorities.

The aforesaid land shall be used according to the Board's requirements, fromtime to time, including for the following:-

i) Raising of temporary pre-fabricated accommodation and toilet facilities bythe Board;

ii) Establishment of tented accommodation by private camping agencies (locals,permanent residents of the state);

iii) Setting up of the shops by shopkeepers (locals, permanent residents of thestate);

iv) Facilities for Pony Wallas and Pithu Wallas;

v) Provision of healthcare and medical facilities;

vi) Setting up of free Langars by private persons and groups which are licensedby the Board;

vii) Facilities for helicopter operations/ parking of vehicles;

viii) Arrangements of security by local police/para-military forces and othersecurity agencies as per the arrangements in place here-to-fore; and

ix) Undertaking measures relating to soil conservation, land protection andpreservation of ecology.