J&K govt to give land during yatra

SRINAGAR: After two months of violent protests, the Shri Amarnath Sanghrash Samiti (SASS) on Sunday called off its agitation for now after the state government set aside 39.88 hectares in Kashmir to set up facilities for pilgrims during the annual Amarnath yatra.

The agreement was reached after six hours of fourth round negotiations between the samiti and the four-member government panel led by the governor’s adviser.
The breakthrough evoked a mixed response across the state as Jammu saw celebrations on the streets while protesters, led by separatists, resorted to violence in the Valley.

According to the agreement, the proprietary status, ownership and title of the land shall remain unchanged.

“The land shall be used according to the [shrine] Board’s requirements, from time to time. This includes raising temporary pre-fabricated accommodation and toilet facilities by the Board, establishment of tented accommodation by private camping agencies (permanent residents of J&K), setting up of the shops by shopkeepers (locals, permanent residents of the State),” the agreement reads.