The land was was not given but was being bought by the Shri Amarnath board and a payment of 2.5 crore had already been made. Thats where the problem lies becoz ownership of the land is the issue not the utilization of land. Already hundreds of acres of land is been utilized for the yatra without any fuss but the Govt. fudged by selling the ownership of the land to the board which is a sensitive issue in Kashmir and would brought Congress votes in Jammu. Finally they ended up losing both Jammu and Kashmir.
RE:Yatra
by kskumar on Jul 02, 2008 07:27 PM Permalink
In that case, why was the land not leased out on a long term basis? Even otherwise, the temple board is not considered as Kashmiri? Why can't the board buy land?
What surprises me is the total silence of the Muslim community in India and the self-professed " secular " parties.
These people should remember the quote from Rev.Martin Luther King Jr. " In the end, we remember not the words of the enemies, but the silence of our friends. "
RE:Yatra
by Falcon on Jul 02, 2008 07:35 PM Permalink
I have a different take on the issue. If your friendly neighbour wants to utilize your adjacent piece of land for a marriage ceremony you would give it with pleasure but if he suggests buying it out you will start having doubts and may decline the offer. At present forest land in Kashmir cant even be bought by kashmiris themselves whereas the Govt. tried to play politics with something based purely on religion and goodwill.As i said thousands of acres of land is already being used for the yatra without any problem then why complicate the issue by politicizing the issue.
RE:Yatra
by kskumar on Jul 02, 2008 07:46 PM Permalink
Your argument sounds reasonable, but think of it differently: If the land is not owned or leased, you cannot provide facilities by way of pucca buildings or structures. Perhaps that is why the temple board wanted the land. If the Government is willing to let the board provide facilities on the same land without restrictions, then there is no cause for unhappiness either way. The issue was first politicized by the PDP and the separatist groups and the BJP has followed suit. But what damage this issue has caused to the social structure of the society in Kashmir and the rest of India ! It is indeed a sad state of affairs. Sadder still is the silence of the political parties and the Muslim community.
RE:Yatra
by Falcon on Jul 02, 2008 07:54 PM Permalink
Is it reasonable to erect pucca buildings & permanent structures on prime pristine forest land when proper facilities can be provided without disturbing the landscape. Haven't we destroyed enough of our forests already.Look at what has happened to other pilgrim centers due to excessive commercialization and uncontrolled constructions.The yatra will loose its spirituality if the forests,mountains ,streams and a fresh breeze are not there to welcome the weary pilgrim.
RE:RE:Yatra
by Falcon on Jul 02, 2008 07:59 PM Permalink
Its makes no difference whether it is a Kashmiri entity or not becoz as far as I know even kashmiris themselves cannot "buy" forest land and that is true in rest of the country also. On a personal note I would welcome local participation in the holy event to create goodwill and make the yatra a totally spiritual event devoid of politics.
