Shrine Board should clear its stand with regard to Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2021

Ludhiana: Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation (SABLO) established in 2005, is an Apex Body of more than 100 Langar Organisations, registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, which are engaged in providing free food, distribution of blankets, night shelter, medical aid and many other services to the yatris on both the routes during Shri Amarnathji Yatra every year. 

The SABLO president Vijay Thakur and general secretary Rajan Gupta said in a statement here today that last year, unfortunately, Shri Amarnathji Yatra was suspended by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) due to COVID-19 after changing its mind several times. This year Shrine Board has declared a 56 day yatra to the Himalayan cave shrine to begin from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal in Jammu and Kashir from 28th June and conclude on 22nd of August 2021. 
As usual the Shrine Board has sought expression of interest from the Bhandaras for setting up of Langars during Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2021 for which our all members has submitted applications to the Board as per practice. However, it is deeply regretted that till date Shrine Board has not issued permission letters to the Langar NGOs for setting langars, public address system, medical camps etc., which were earlier generally received by them in the month of April every year and they had enough time to make required preparations for Bhandaras. Due to this delay on the part of Shrine Board, SABLO is flooded with large number of inquiries from our member langar organisations seeking reasons behind this delay in issuing of permission letters to them.

“We, therefore take this opportunity to earnestly urge Sh. Manoj Singh, LG Cum Chairman of Shrine Board and Mr. Nitishwar Singh CEO to confirm their plans regarding conducting of Shri Amarnathji Yatra in view of resurgence of COVID-19 this year. A statement from the Board in this regard is of ultimate necessity which is required so as to clear the clouds of confusion and doubts created in the minds of Bhandara Organisations and other stake holders in Yatra.”, they added. 
Further, they said, as the Covid 19 resurfaced this year again, the Shrine Board immediately suspended the on going process of registration of pilgrims. It is sad that till date the board has neither resumed registration of pilgrims nor has come out with any specific announcement to this effect adding further to the confusion in the minds of pilgrims, Bhandaras and other stake holders of Yatra.

They said as the start date of Yatra i.e 28.6.2021 is approaching fast, our member Langar organisations have to make plans for arranging all the provisions required for setting up of langars. In addition to it, they are required to be present at the base camp 10 days prior to the commencement of Yatra. Under the present situation created by the Shrine Board, our member Bhandara organisations are under great stress and anxiety in absence of any news coming out of the Shrine Board regarding conduct of Yatra this year. 

They said Shrine Board should appreciate that our member Langar NGO’s have to work very hard for setting up Bhandaras at the site. They have to make collection of contributions, arrange for sewadars for installation of sheds, recruit electricians and mechanics for installation of power and operation of gensets, Halwais, serving staff etc. for running the community kitchen. They have also to make arrangements for purchase of provisions like powder milk, wheat flour, cereals, pulses, rice, refined oils, mustard oils diesel and extra. For arranging all these things it requires lot of time, management and planning by the Langar NGO’s.

Adding, they said last but not the least, it is to be known that, once the Board allots permission letters, the NGOs are required to get Police verification completed of the Sewadars and submitted it to the Shrine Board in time for issuing their identity cards which they have carry with them while performing their duties at the location of Bhandaras till the end of yatra. 
They said now because of complete silence on the part of Shrine Board with regard to conduct of yatra 2021, and number days remaining very less, our member Langar NGOs are having sleepless nights what to do under present situation created by Shrine Board. 

Further, they said under the present situation, we sincerely urge Sh. Manoj Sinha LG Cum Chairman of Shrine Board as well as Mr. Nitishwar Kumar CEO, SASB to look into the matter and clear the clouds of confusion and uncertainty over Yatra 2021 so that our member langar organisations can know the factual position and plan accordingly with respect to Yatra 2021.

While concluding, they said, “We once again on the behalf of our member langar organisations sincerely urge the Shrine Board that this information is of utmost importance at this hour of time and the Shrine Board should not delay it any further from sharing with Langar Organisaiton, Pilgrims and other stake holders and clear its stand with regard to Yatra 2021.”