Row over Lingam refuses to die down

SRINAGAR: Controversy over the formation of the Shiva Lingam at the holy Amarnath cave refuses to die down in Kashmir.

The custodian of the holy mace, Mahant Deependra Giri, said Hindus are in a state of shock following reports of tampering with the lingam.

“This is a sacrilegious act. It has hurt the feelings of the community,” the Mahant said.

Questioning the role of the  Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), he said it should take responsibility for the whole episode.

Reiterating his earlier demand for a judicial probe, the mahant said the Centre should intervene and appoint a judicial commission headed by a sitting Supreme Court Judge to unravel the truth.

Chief Executive Officer of SASB Arun Kumar said the focus was now on finding the causes for the formation of a smaller lingam this year. “Whether it was a result of global warming or geological changes following the October 8 quake, it needs a thorough investigation,” he said.

Kumar said they are in touch with renowned glacier experts to find out the causes and to work out a strategy for the future. “We are in touch with experts in Dehradun Institute and glacier experts in Jammu University,” he said.