"Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the state government are responsible for the 62 deaths (of the pilgrims) in few days after the commencement of the yatra (on June 25)," Shiv Sena state chief Ashok Gupta told reporters here.
Over 1,500 activists of Shiv Sena and Dogra Front took out protest march against the government and SASB. The protesters alleged the government and the Board failed to tackle the increasing trend of deaths during the pilgrimage.
"JK government has failed to provide medical facilities and senior ministers of Jammu are silent on the issue," Gupta alleged, urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the matter.
He said the deaths were avoidable and the authorities cannot escape from its responsibilities.
"The government and SASB cannot escape from responsibility if adequate arrangements are not provided...It is shameful that head of the state has not uttered a single word over the death of the 62 yatries," Gupta said.
