[Reader-list] Geelani stokes Amarnath fire

[Aditya Raj Kaul]

Geelani stokes Amarnath fire *Ishfaq ul Hassan DNA*
Friday, May 15, 2009 3:16 IST
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*Srinagar: *Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called extension ofthe
duration of the Amarnath Yatra to two months a "cultural aggression" from
New Delhi, evoking sharp reaction from the Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti
(SASS). The shrine board called his remarks an attempt to vitiate the
atmosphere before the yatra.

"Initially the yatra used to be for three days, but was later extended to 15
days. Then it was again extended to two months. The extension of yatra is a
nefarious design by New Delhi to unleash a cultural aggression. The extended
period is also a source of environmental hazard, therefore it should be
limited to 15 days," said Geelani.

The yatra will commence on June 7 and conclude on August 5. Geelani
supported the yatris. "Everyone has a right to practice his or her religion
freely. Nobody will disturb the yatra."

But the shrine board said Geelani's statement was uncalled for. "Geelani's
remarks are an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere before the yatra.The yatra
will take off and will conclude after two months," said Brig (retd) Suchet
Singh, the board's convener.