J&K Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh on Saturday reacted strongly to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s suggestion that the Amarnath Yatra period should be restricted to 30 days to ensure safety of pilgrims and protection of environment. “Statements like these should not be taken seriously. These are given just to seek media attention. We are committed to ensure smooth conclusion of the annual pilgrimage, which will be held as scheduled, and all facilities, including security will be provided to the pilgrims,” he told the media.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Amarnath, located at a height of over 13,500 ft in south Kashmir, is scheduled to begin on July 2. This year, the 59-day-long pilgrimage would wind up on Shravan Purnima falling on August 29 (Raksha Bandhan). An average number of 7,500 pilgrims are registered by the Shrine Board for the yatra from two different routes via Baltal and Pahalgam. Commenting on the style of politics of Valley-based separatist leaders Singh said they have lost their ground in the Valley and were now trying to seek attention of the people with such statements.