NEW DELHI: Seeking free registration of Shri Amarnath Yatra starting from July 1, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu-Kashmir unit along with Hindu organisations and Sant Samaj today staged a massive protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
Under the leadership of Party J&K chief Manish Sahni and Swami Rajeshwaranand Maharaj from the Sant Samaj along with mainly Mahant Deen Bandhu Das ji, Kotwal Mahant Mangal Das ji and hundreds of Shiv Sainiks present and holding placards demanding “Free Registration for Amarnath pilgrims”, “Toll free Yatra” , “Security of Him Shivling to be ensured duration of the journey”, “All free facilities for sadhus and saints”.
Sahni in his address said that Shri Amarnath Yatra registration fee has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 220 during the rule of the BJP government which claims to be Hinduist. He said that the collection of money in the name of registration on religious visits of Hindus brings back memories of Jaziya collection from Hindus during the Mughalia rule.
Sahni said that regarding the above demands , he has submitted a memorandum to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board), the State Chief Secretary and the Union Home Minister but unfortunately there was no positive response from anywhere. Due to which they were forced to protest at Jantar Mantar today and until their demands are not fulfilled, this phase of protests will continue.
He said that government should stop collecting money in the name of worship and registration on religious visits.
On the other hand, Swami Rajeshwaranand Maharaj from Shri Rajmata Jhande Temple recited Shri Hanuman Chalisa and prayed to the government to give wisdom to the government regarding the above demands. Mahant Deen Bandhu Das ji, Kotwal Mahant Mangal Das ji said that an today a attempt was made to wake up the government’s Kumbhakarni sleep by echoing Jantar Mantar with the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.
All the saints prayed for wisdom for the centre ministers and officers of the government regarding the above demands.
Among those who joined the protest Vikrant Kapoor, State Head of Uttar Bharatiya Ekta Manch, Women Wing President Meenakshi Chhibber, Vikas Bakshi, Raj Singh , Balwant Singh , Mangu Ram , Dimple and many others from Shiv Sena Jammu Kashmir unit also joined the protest at Jantar Mantar.
