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Mufti rules out further extension of `yatra'

JAMMU, JULY 1. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today ruled out the further extension of the Amarnath Yatra even as the Amarnath Yatra Action Committee (AYAC) sent the first batch of pilgrims to Pahalgam.

The AYAC Convener, Inderjeet Khajuria, said that the sentiments of the Hindus had been hurt by the rigid stand taken by the Chief Minister.

He asked why the month-long yatra could not be extended to 60 days when it had already been extended to 45 days.

Mr. Sayeed had rejected the demand citing security and the weather as reasons.

Mr. Khajuria said the AYAC today despatched the first batch of 100-150 pilgrims, mostly sadhus, headed by the Committee chairman, Rama Kant Dubey, to Pahalgam, the base camp for the yatra.

Pointing out that the pilgrims had left Jammu without any security cover, he said, ``If militants target these pilgrims, the Government will be held responsible for it.''

UNI

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