JAMMU, Jun 24: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has demanded a waiver of toll tax for pilgrims during the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, an expansion of on-the-spot registration facilities, and special measures for the preservation of the holy ice *Shivling*.
Speaking at a press conference, the party’s state chief, Manish Sahni, stated that the visit of over 50 lakh pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi in the first six months of this year is a testament to immense faith; he added that a record number of pilgrims are expected to undertake the Amarnath Yatra with similar enthusiasm.
He noted that 6.34 lakh pilgrims undertook the Amarnath Yatra in 2011 and 6.22 lakh in 2012. The administration should ensure all necessary arrangements with the aim of surpassing these records this year.
Sahni demanded that no toll tax be collected from pilgrims during the pilgrimage period. He urged that the ‘on-the-spot’ or immediate registration process be made completely transparent and easy for those who could not secure advance registration. He called for an immediate increase in the number of counters and seats under the ‘tatkal’ (immediate) quota at Jammu and other key transit points to prevent pilgrims from having to wait in long queues for hours. Pilgrims awaiting their turn should also have access to accommodation and other basic amenities at the base camps.
Preserving the holy ice *Shivling* from melting away prematurely poses a major challenge. The Shrine Board should implement state-of-the-art scientific and technical measures around the cave so that pilgrims arriving even during the final days of the Yatra can witness the full form of ‘Baba Barfani’.
Sahni stated that if pilgrim facilities and Yatra management are further improved, a new record could be set for the Amarnath Yatra this year.