Kashmiri separatists mull over Amarnath shrine row deal
1 Sep 2008, 1200 Hrs

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Srinagar/Jammu, Sept 1 (ANI): Kashmiri separatist leaders are reportedly holding deliberations in the wake of the State Government agreeing to allot forest land temporarily to pilgrims heading for the Amarnath shrine.

The All-Party Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference (APHC) executive meeting will continue in Srinagar today.

"With all seriousness, we have discussed the present situation of the Kashmir Valley on arrests and curfew," said senior APHC leader Abdul Gani Bhat.

The State Government has decided to allow the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board temporary use of the 40-hectares of land during the annual pilgrimage.

In response, the Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS) has called off its nearly two-month-long agitation. "In this victory, the people of Jammu and rest of the country have made significant contribution," claimed Leela Karan, the SASS convenor.

The SASS celebrations, however, were dampened by the State Government banning processions.

"Even today, the government is kneeling before traitors, and perhaps, that is the reason why they have forbidden any celebrations in Jammu after the allotment of land to the board. Perhaps they fear reactions from the Kashmir Valley," said Leela.

The peace formula was hammered out after nearly two months of agitation following the revocation of the land transfer to the Shrine Board by the State Government.

Earlier on August 23, the Samiti and the panel had held three rounds of talks.

The Governor's panel included Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Professor Amitabh Mattoo, former Judge of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Justice (Retd) G. D. Sharma and Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer of SASB B. B. Vyas.

The Samiti's committee comprised of Tilak Raj Sharma, Brigadier (Retd) Suchet Singh, Narinder Singh and Pawan Kohli. (ANI)