View source for Amarnath land transfer controversy

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{{for|the Amarnath cave temple|Amarnath temple}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{excessive citations|date=November 2018}}
On 26 May 2008, the [[government of India]] and the state [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] reached an agreement to transfer {{convert|99|acre|km2}} of forest land to the ''Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board'' (SASB) in the main [[Kashmir Valley]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=451819&sid=NAT|title=Zee News: Latest News Headlines, Current Live Breaking News from India & World|publisher=Zeenews.com|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> to set up temporary shelters and facilities for [[Hindu]] pilgrims to [[Amarnath Temple#Yatra (pilgrimage) details and routes|Amarnath Temple]]. This caused a controversy, with demonstrations from the Kashmir valley against the land transfer and protests from the [[Jammu]] region supporting it. The largest demonstration saw more than 500,000 protesters at a single rally, among the largest in [[Kashmir]]'s history.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1838586,00.html |magazine=Time |title=Valley of Tears |date=4 September 2008 |access-date=23 April 2010 |first=Jyoti |last=Thottam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505142414/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1838586%2C00.html |archive-date=5 May 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Kashmir protests==
Six people were killed and 100 injured when police fired into a crowd in [[Srinagar]] protesting the transfer of forest land.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5492bdcc-eeb4-4374-b1e8-1245ffa50458&ParentID=04ff6b34-348b-4d08-b41b-e6e5713706ac&&Headline=Kashmiri+Pandits+seek+PM%27s+intervention|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125072203/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5492bdcc-eeb4-4374-b1e8-1245ffa50458&ParentID=04ff6b34-348b-4d08-b41b-e6e5713706ac&&Headline=Kashmiri+Pandits+seek+PM's+intervention|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Amarnath row: Kashmiri Pandits seek PM's intervention|publisher=Press Trust of India|date=25 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-25}}</ref> Separatist [[Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front|JKLF]] (R) organised a march to the controversial land in Baltal. Senior separatist leaders [[Shabir Shah|Shabir Ahmad Shah]], [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]] and [[Mirwaiz Omar Farooq]], leaders of the [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]] (APHC), which planned the protests, were placed under house arrest.<ref>http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Shutdown_in_Kashmir_separatist_leaders_under_house_arrest/articleshow/3341886.cms {{Dead link|date=February 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Land_allotment_Violence_in_Srinagar/articleshow/3156807.cms|title=Violence in Srinagar over land allotment to Amarnath board|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-25|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124192333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Land_allotment_Violence_in_Srinagar/articleshow/3156807.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the [[Srinagar]] area, most public buildings, including schools and government offices, and many businesses, have remained closed.<ref name=gilani>{{cite news|last=Gilani|first=Iftikhar|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C06%5C26%5Cstory_26-6-2008_pg1_7|title=Hindu-Muslim clashes escalate in IHK|work=Daily Times|date=26 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-26|archive-date=16 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716165627/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C06%5C26%5Cstory_26-6-2008_pg1_7|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Environmental concerns===
Initial opposition to the land transfer was based on environmental concerns. Some environmentalists argued that the land transfer would hamper the region's delicate ecological balance.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/File_Controversy_over_Amarnath_land_allotment_poll_gimmick/articleshow/3173849.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=Rajeev | last1=Deshpande | title=Controversy over Amarnath land allotment poll gimmick? | date=28 June 2008 | access-date=8 August 2008 | archive-date=24 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124192333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/File_Controversy_over_Amarnath_land_allotment_poll_gimmick/articleshow/3173849.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

Reports that the SASB was planning to construct dams across the river [[Indus]] to generate electricity for the shrine were unconfirmed.<ref name=gilani/>

===Government response===
The state government accepted the demands of the protesters from the Kashmir valley region by revoking the land transfer decision on 1 July 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=328520|title=India News Latest News Headlines, Financial News, Business News & Market Analysis on Indian Economy – Business Standard News|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211141213/http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=328520|url-status=live}}</ref> Hindu groups in the Jammu division reacted by mounting their own counter-protests against the revocation and called for the cancellation of the revocation decision.<ref name="ndtv.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060403 |title=Amarnath row divides Jammu and Kashmir |access-date=8 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810002045/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060403 |archive-date=10 August 2008 }}</ref>

===Political turmoil===
As the Kashmiri protests grew wider and more violent, the [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party|People's Democratic Party]] (PDP) said that it would withdraw support to the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC)-led state government if it did not revoke the land transfer agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=0c696ab1-f13c-4ef8-b7a1-1d287972d74c&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=PDP+to+pull+out%26nbsp%3b+of+J%26amp%3bK+ruling+alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717044850/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=0c696ab1-f13c-4ef8-b7a1-1d287972d74c&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=PDP+to+pull+out%26nbsp%3B+of+J%26amp%3BK+ruling+alliance|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2009|title=Crisis in J&K as PDP pulls out|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=65e9f303-bfb3-49e0-8e91-06c086a1a115&MatchID1=4714&TeamID1=7&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4713&TeamID3=8&TeamID4=14&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1189&PrimaryID=4714&Headline=45+injured+as+clashes+continue+in+J%26amp%3bK |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717050229/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=65e9f303-bfb3-49e0-8e91-06c086a1a115&MatchID1=4714&TeamID1=7&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4713&TeamID3=8&TeamID4=14&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1189&PrimaryID=4714&Headline=45+injured+as+clashes+continue+in+J%26amp%3BK |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2009 |title=45 people injured as clashes continue in Kashmir |newspaper=Hindustan Times|agency=Press Trust of India |date=26 June 2008}}</ref> 
Though the land transfer was revoked (after the PDP withdrew its support), the crisis deepened further when the PDP did not lend support to the state government even after the revocation. Meanwhile, the Gulam Nabi Azad's minority government decided to step-down on 7 July 2008.<ref name="ndtv.com" />

The protests, however, took a more political tone as state elections were scheduled to be held later in 2008.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34243220080626?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 Protests over Hindu lands escalate in Kashmir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717095030/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34243220080626?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 |date=17 July 2009 }}. Reuters. 2008-06-26.</ref> With elections already due in the state, Omar Abdullah played down the incident and said that PDP's decision to withdraw was not a major constitutional crisis.<ref>[[CNN-IBN]] Times Now</ref>

==Jammu protests==
In [[Jammu]], mass protests<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060583 |title= NDTV.com: Jammu unrest, a people's movement|website=ndtv.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811001741/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060583 |archive-date=11 August 2008}}</ref> erupted against the government's decision to revoke the land transfer.  The Hindus of the Jammu division generally supported the land transfer, and threatened to shut down the Division on 26 June 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/lifestyle/bjp-activists-stage-protest-in-jammu-over-amarnath-shrine-board-issue_10064443.html|title=BJP activists stage protest in Jammu over Amarnath Shrine Board issue|publisher=The Indian|date=25 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-25|archive-date=19 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919205718/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/lifestyle/bjp-activists-stage-protest-in-jammu-over-amarnath-shrine-board-issue_10064443.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 20 kilometres away, in [[Nagrota]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) supporters blocked a highway<ref>{{cite news|last=Masoodi|first=Nazir|author2=Razdan, Nidhi|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080054234&ch=6/24/2008%209:54:00%20PM|title=J&K tense over land transfer to Amarnath shrine|publisher=NDTV|date=24 June 2008|access-date=2008-06-26|archive-date=3 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803193533/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080054234|url-status=live}}</ref>  
It has been joined by 35 other organisations, under the banner of Amarnath Shrine Sangharsh Samiti, that have two main demands: that of recalling Governor NN Vohra and the restoration of land to the Shrine Board.
<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/special-news-report/News-Feed/It-s-not-Jammu-or-Kashmir/Article1-329067.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017180609/http://www.hindustantimes.com/special-news-report/News-Feed/It-s-not-Jammu-or-Kashmir/Article1-329067.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2012|title=It's not Jammu or Kashmir |author=Balraj Puri |newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2008|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>
Hindu groups such as the [[Bajrang Dal]] and the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) protested in front of [[Kashmir House]] in [[Delhi]] in support of the land transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/protests-in-delhi-over-amarnath-land-row_10065628.html|title=Protests in Delhi over Amarnath land row|work=Thaindian News|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122137/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/protests-in-delhi-over-amarnath-land-row_10065628.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The situation in Jammu suddenly deteriorated after Kuldeep Raj committed suicide on 23 July and his body was mishandled and dishonoured by the police. Slowly, protests spread to other parts of Jammu.<ref name="hindustantimes"/> A curfew was imposed in many districts.  Protesters claimed that an economic blockade of the Kashmir Valley was being imposed by stopping traffic on the [[Jammu–Srinagar National Highway]].<ref name="ndtv.com" /> The "economic blockade" theory was however fiercely contested, with the Government of India, the Army, the District Administration, SASB maintaining that there was no blockade. BJP called the blockade "a lie perpetuated by the ISI", of which there was no compelling evidence, and maintained the people of the Valley were being misled with a false propaganda, aiding the designs of separatists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nglEFdDQX1c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/nglEFdDQX1c |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Arun Jaitley in Devil"s Advocate(Part 3)|date=28 August 2008 |via=YouTube|access-date=6 October 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> One person was killed and another injured on 6 August 2008 when the Army fired to disperse a violent mob, which blocked the Jammu-Pathankot Highway in Kathua district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/345556.html|title=One killed as Army fires at protestors, curfew defied|date=7 August 2008|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080060363&ch=8/6/2008%205:42:00%20PM {{dead link|date=October 2014}}</ref> Two protesters were killed and eight injured as police opened fire to quell a mob in Samba district on 1 August 2008<ref name="freshnews.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.freshnews.in/army-carries-out-flag-marches-in-jammu-13-injured-in-clashes-42471 |title=Army carries out flag marches in Jammu, 13 injured in clashes |access-date=8 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717054321/http://www.freshnews.in/army-carries-out-flag-marches-in-jammu-13-injured-in-clashes-42471 |archive-date=17 July 2009 }}</ref> Conversely there were also Muslims who, backed by the local Muslim federation and the Muslim [[Gujjar]] community, who supported the demands of the Hindus of Jammu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_w32/idw2008.08.09.16.19.51.html#hdng8|title=Newsfeedresearcher.com|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009234400/http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_w32/idw2008.08.09.16.19.51.html#hdng8|archive-date=9 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti convener Leela Karan Sharma said on 6 August 2008 that nothing short of revocation of the land transfer to Amarnath Shrine Board would be acceptable. He opined that the state government was responsible for flaring religious sentiments by allowing construction of the Muslim Jama Masjid at Baltal, yet not allowing a temporary structure for the benefit of Hindu yatris.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Politics_on_land_row_wont_be_tolerated/articleshow/3335405.cms|title='Politics on land row won't be tolerated'|work=The Times of India|date=7 August 2008 |access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124192333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Politics_on_land_row_wont_be_tolerated/articleshow/3335405.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Government response===
Despite the protests, the state government has not annulled the revocation decision.  Central Government moved hundreds of security forces into the region.  Indian authorities restored the Amarnath pilgrimage route after a brief disruption.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Amarnath_yatra_resumes_from_Jammu/articleshow/3167112.cms Amarnath yatra resumes from Jammu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214005909/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Amarnath_yatra_resumes_from_Jammu/articleshow/3167112.cms |date=14 February 2019 }}. ''The Economic Times''. 2008-06-26.</ref> Opposition party BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said on 2 August 2008 that "It seems the Centre only understands the voices of the valley and not of the Jammu region. It is trying to find a solution through force and is not initiating a dialogue".<ref name="freshnews.in" /> The prime minister [[Manmohan Singh]] spoke to BJP president [[Rajnath Singh]] and sought his party's help in finding a solution to the issue.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/345722.html|title=All parties present a united front in call to bridge the J&K divide|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=7 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907002207/http://www.indianexpress.com/story/345722.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Fruit growers' protests==
Kashmir Fruit Growers Association gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the government failing which they would start agitation for the opening of Muzaffarabad Road for export. "We will export our products to various Indian states via Muzaffarabad and [[Wagah]] border", said president of the association. The Indian government alleges that the claims of an economic blockade were fabricated by the Hurriyat and the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] to provoke locals into joining the pro-independence protests.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/JK_blockade_staged_by_ISI/articleshow/3362369.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=Vishwa | last1=Mohan | title=J&K blockade staged by ISI to help Hurriyat? | date=14 August 2008 | access-date=14 August 2008 | archive-date=17 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817024700/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/JK_blockade_staged_by_ISI/articleshow/3362369.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> The Ex-Indian Home Minister [[Shivraj Patil]], appealed to the fruit growers to call off their protests. He offered to buy all their fruit and also to pay compensation to those whose fruit has perished.<ref name="bbc_police_fire" />

===Party wise stand===
Congress Working Committee spokesperson, [[Veerappa Moily]], said "Providing makeshift and temporary accommodation for yatris and pilgrims all over the country is not a new phenomenon... the authorities spend a lot of money in providing temporary facilities during [[Kumbh Mela]], [[Puri]] [[rath yatra]] festival" and said that it was absurd to suggest all such temporary shelters could be made permanent. Moily said that the Hurriyat factions and other separatist groups had exploited the mood during the turmoil to revive their "diabolic agenda". He said that playing mischief, Hurriyat had spread rumours that the highways from the Valley to the plains had been blocked stopping movement of goods and essential commodities. Making use of this false propaganda, they organised the march to Muzaffarabad to seek market for the fruit, Moily said.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Subverse/Hurriyat_using_stir_to_revive_own_agenda/articleshow/3386927.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Hurriyat using stir to revive own agenda | date=21 August 2008 | access-date=22 August 2008 | archive-date=24 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124192333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Subverse/Hurriyat_using_stir_to_revive_own_agenda/articleshow/3386927.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

Ignoring the Indian government's curfew orders, People's Democratic Party and Kashmiri separatist leaders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hu44uusY7VI6OBS0i8QEOSv0ENuA |title=Indian troops fire shots to halt Kashmir march |access-date=12 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520155414/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hu44uusY7VI6OBS0i8QEOSv0ENuA |archive-date=20 May 2011 }}</ref> backed the local fruit growers.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34944920080811 | work=Reuters| title=Thousands of Indian traders clash with police | date=11 August 2008 | access-date=12 August 2008 | archive-date=17 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717095040/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34944920080811 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="hindu.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081360121200.htm | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125060656/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081360121200.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 January 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=In Kashmir, a reign of error | date=13 August 2008}}</ref>

===Government position===
Claiming that there is no blockade along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the ministry said as many as 236 trucks and tankers carrying oil, gas, sheep, medicines and poultry products crossed the Jawahar Tunnel from the Jammu side early on Wednesday morning. Of these, 82 trucks and tankers had reached Srinagar by afternoon, it said. Referring to the stranded trucks in the Valley, an official said a fleet of them actually belonged to one individual close to the Hurriyat. The transporter refused to move his vehicles towards Jammu despite the promise of full security cover along the route.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> The Kashmiri media, however, reported shortages of food, drugs, and other essential supplies in the Kashmir Valley as a result of the alleged blockade and consequently prices of essential commodities increased substantially in the Valley.

===March to the LOC===
On 11 August 2008, 50,000 to 2,50,000 Kashmiri protesters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2008/08/12/top4.htm|title=Troops open fire as 250,000 'march to Muzaffarabad': APHC leader Sheikh Aziz killed|date=12 August 2008|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=31 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031225927/http://www.dawn.com/2008/08/12/top4.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Curfew_in_Srinagar_Hurriyat_leader_dies_in_police_firing/articleshow/3352939.cms|title=Amarnath row: 5 killed in firing at march to PoK|work=The Times of India|date=11 August 2008 |access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411105759/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Curfew_in_Srinagar_Hurriyat_leader_dies_in_police_firing/articleshow/3352939.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="times_tensions">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4507868.ece|title=Tensions rise as Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz shot dead|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=14 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314134945/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> attempted to cross the [[Line of Control|LoC]] to [[Muzaffarabad]], in violation of march ban orders.{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} Despite intelligence warnings that the LoC march would gather tens of thousands of supporters, the State government and top police officials failed to act immediately and refused to impose a curfew. In the event, small groups of police personnel were left to hold back the marchers.<ref name="hindu.com" />

===11 August violence===
Fifteen people were killed and hundreds more injured when police and paramilitary forces opened fire on protesters attempting to cross the LoC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=4ecfa6f8-0c4e-4e09-8936-46fd8c5121f8&ParentID=0d22db88-be05-412c-b6e9-63910b735b83&&Headline=Troops+on+alert+to+halt+protest+march|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717050757/http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=4ecfa6f8-0c4e-4e09-8936-46fd8c5121f8&ParentID=0d22db88-be05-412c-b6e9-63910b735b83&&Headline=Troops+on+alert+to+halt+protest+march|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2009|title=Troops on alert to halt Kashmir protest march|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=11 August 2008|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=af08203b-9f30-4976-b80b-43a37daefcf2AmarnathLandRow_Special&&Headline=Eleven+killed+in+firing%2c+Valley+under+curfew|title=Protests over Amarnath land transfer gain communal, separatist tones|access-date=6 October 2014}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
[[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]] (APHC) leader [[Sheikh Abdul Aziz]], a moderate separatist, was among those killed on 11 August.<ref name="times_tensions" /> Police say several of their personnel were injured from stones thrown by the protesters.<ref name="bbc_police_fire">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7553317.stm|title=Police fire on Kashmir protesters|date=11 August 2008|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010144204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7553317.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 12 August violence ===
Following the death of the [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference|APHC]] separatist leader [[Sheikh Abdul Aziz]] and others during the police firing on 11 August,<ref name="times_tensions" /> the separatists in Kashmir region organized protests. Fifteen Kashmiri civilians were killed in the firing by Kashmir police and paramilitary forces.<ref name="thehindu_fifteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081360960100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816003137/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081360960100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Fifteen shot dead in Jammu & Kashmir |date=2008-08-13|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> More than 100 people were also injured in a twelve separate incidents of police firing across the Kashmir valley region.<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=226206&Sn=WORL&IssueID=31146 Kashmir turmoil]. Daily News, Bahrain.</ref> Six protesters were killed in [[Srinagar]] police firing.<ref name="thehindu_fifteen" /> In [[Lasjan]], on the outskirts of Srinagar, four were killed after police forces opened fire on a protest led by former government minister Javed Mustafa Mir.  Police sources claim that the service weapon of one of Mir's personal security guards "accidentally" went off, injuring seven [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF) troopers, and provoking the retaliatory firing that left four protesters dead.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Amarnath_Sangharsh_Samiti_vows_to_continue_campaign/articleshow/3358461.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=M Saleem | last1=Pandit | title=Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti vows to continue campaign | date=13 August 2008 | access-date=15 August 2008 | archive-date=16 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816065026/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Amarnath_Sangharsh_Samiti_vows_to_continue_campaign/articleshow/3358461.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> However, local villagers claimed that the CRPF forces opened fire on the protesters first, killing two, then opening once more when others went to help the injured, killing two women in the process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=13_8_2008&ItemID=36&cat=1 |title=COPS ON KILLING SPREE, 27 DIE IN 2 DAYS, Kashmir news Kashmir Discussion Forum, Kashmir Tour, Srinagar, Book hotel in Kashmir, Kashmir Bazaar, kashmir SMS, All about kashmir, Kashmir Gifts, Kashmir Websites, Great Kashmiris, kashmir travel forum, forum post, websites on kashmir, kashmiri websites, best website of Kashmir |website=greaterkashmir.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922195448/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=13_8_2008&ItemID=36&cat=1 |archive-date=22 September 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Three protesters, including a woman, were killed in firing at [[Paribal]] by the Indian Army. The army spokesperson for the 15 Corps said that the protesters were throwing stones at a military picket, and refused to disperse despite repeated appeals.<ref name="thehindu_fifteen" /> Another protester was reportedly killed in [[Anantnag]]. In [[Kishtwar]], communal clashes broke out after Kashmiri Muslims began protesting the death of Sheikh Abdul Aziz.  Muslim and Hindu owned homes and businesses were torched, and two protesters, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed in the rioting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2413127929|title=India: Fresh protests continue in Kashmir – Adnkronos Security|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010001749/http://www1.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2413127929|url-status=live}}</ref> The burial of Sheikh Aziz, held in the Martyrs Graveyard in Srinagar, passed without incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4514293.ece|title=At least 13 people killed in Kashmir as protesters clash with armed police|access-date=6 October 2014}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===14 August Jammu death===
In Jammu, a man named Balwant Raj Sharma poisoned himself. He donated all his property to Shree Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Senior-citizen-commits-suicide-over-shrine-land/348890.html |title=Senior citizen commits suicide over shrine land – KashmirLive.Com |website=kashmirlive.com |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127044955/http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Senior-citizen-commits-suicide-over-shrine-land/348890.html |archive-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14740445 |title=Man commits suicide, Amarnath issue blamed |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=14 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716050736/http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14740445 |archive-date=16 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808141521.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Protestor commits suicide in Kathua district | date=14 August 2008 | access-date=14 August 2008 | archive-date=18 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918051211/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200808141521.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

===20 August protests in Jammu and Kashmir===
The peaceful demonstrations in this otherwise bustling Jammu city was in stark contrast to the high decibel protests in Srinagar.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Agitation_in_Jammu_and_Kashmir_A_study_in_contrast/articleshow/3386922.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=Mohua | last1=Chatterjee | title=Agitation in Jammu and Kashmir: A study in contrast | date=21 August 2008 | access-date=20 August 2008 | archive-date=23 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823123726/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Agitation_in_Jammu_and_Kashmir_A_study_in_contrast/articleshow/3386922.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> While in Jammu, women walked silently with candles in their hands demanding restoration of forestland to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), in Srinagar, they joined their protesting men against years of perceived injustices.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Amarnath_row_Women_power_on_full_display_in_JK/articleshow/3386937.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=M Saleem | last1=Pandit | title=Amarnath row: Women power on full display in J&K | date=21 August 2008 | access-date=20 August 2008 | archive-date=23 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823222455/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Amarnath_row_Women_power_on_full_display_in_JK/articleshow/3386937.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> Shri Aamarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti spearheading the agitation in Jammu, called for civil disobedience<ref>{{cite web|url=http://etalaat.com/english/News/state-scan/2370.html|title=Daily Etalaat|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=16 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716061555/http://etalaat.com/english/News/state-scan/2370.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the third and final day of the "Jail Bharo Andolan" of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS), over 2,00,000 protesters, including thousands of children, courted arrest in the Jammu region on 20 August 2008 .In the violent protests and clashes between the protesters and security forces, which continued till late evening, one person was killed while over 60 people, including six police personnel, sustained injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://howrah.org/india_news/25225.html|title=Engine Tuning: Increase The Power of Your Ride|access-date=6 October 2014}}{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser [[M.K. Narayanan]] reviewed the security and political situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting with Governor [[N.N. Vohra]]. The government has also pushed Track-II activists into a dialogue process with the separatists even as a four-member panel was scheduled to talk with the Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/21/stories/2008082156500100.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919054431/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/21/stories/2008082156500100.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=19 September 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Narayanan reviews J&K situation | date=21 August 2008}}</ref>

==End to SASB agitation==
On 31 August 2008, the 61-day-old agitation in the Jammu region over the Amarnath land row ended following the signing of an agreement between the group leading the agitation and the Jammu and Kashmir Governor-appointed panel. Under the terms of the agreement the shrine board would be making temporary use of 40-hectares of land during the relevant yatra period. The SASB convenor Leela Karan Sharma said, "We have suspended the agitation for the time being, though not called it off, as some of our demands are yet to be met."

==Reactions==

===Domestic===
* Analysts have said that the environmental and political furore in the region is baseless as the government has not allotted land to SASB, nor has land been demarcated for this purpose.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=fb017cd0-8ad8-42ff-aa96-5440965dc158&ParentID=0c696ab1-f13c-4ef8-b7a1-1d287972d74c&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=Sound+%26amp%3b+fury+over+nothing%3f|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717050658/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=fb017cd0-8ad8-42ff-aa96-5440965dc158&ParentID=0c696ab1-f13c-4ef8-b7a1-1d287972d74c&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=Sound+%26amp%3B+fury+over+nothing%3F|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2009|title=Sound & fury over nothing?|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>
* Government agencies also claimed that the land being considered for the transfer to SASB was barren and inhospitable and the political agenda of the groups opposing the land transfer was obvious.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com" />
* News agencies such as ''[[Times of India]]'' claimed that PDP's stance on the land transfer issue is a "political gimmick" as the current Forest Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Qazi Afzal, and his predecessor are both from PDP and the proposal to transfer the land to SASB was examined by the state's forest department, law ministry and [[Supreme Court of India]] before being approved.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com" />
* Awami National Conference, alleged that political parties in Jammu and Kashmir were using the issue to divide the state on communal lines so as to gain political mileage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6bfe8f13-101d-4485-84a2-422cf355ca83&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=Don%27t+politicise+SASB+land+transfer+issue%3a+ANC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716174308/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6bfe8f13-101d-4485-84a2-422cf355ca83&MatchID1=4715&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=6&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4752&TeamID3=2&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1197&PrimaryID=4715&Headline=Don%27t+politicise+SASB+land+transfer+issue%3A+ANC|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2009|title=Don't politicise SASB land transfer issue: ANC|date=27 June 2008|publisher=Press Trust of India|access-date=2008-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806272066.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Don't politicise SASB land transfer issue: ANC | date=27 June 2008 | access-date=8 August 2008 | archive-date=18 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918051206/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806272066.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister remarked that "things were blown out of proportion" and "the parties are playing politics over the Amarnath land row".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080054842 |title=Parties playing politics over religion: Azad |access-date=8 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808001849/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080054842 |archive-date=8 August 2008 }}</ref>
* [[Omar Abdullah]], [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference]] leader, accused the PDP of hypocrisy over the issue as PDP's minister was a part of the government that took the decision to transfer land to SASB.<ref>[[CNN-IBN]] interview of Omar Abdullah on 28 June 2008</ref> He also described the protests in the Kashmir region as "Kashmiri nationalism" and added that "[Kashmiri] people aren't against the Amarnath Yatra – they are only protesting against the land transfer which is pure nationalism" he also added "India calls itself the world's largest functioning democracy. But if we are really a democracy, can't we let people express their dissent?" .<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Amarnath_land_row_turns_ugly/articleshow/3174004.cms | work=The Times of India | first1=Sameer | last1=Arshad | title=Amarnath land row turns ugly | date=28 June 2008 | access-date=8 August 2008 | archive-date=24 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124192333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Amarnath_land_row_turns_ugly/articleshow/3174004.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/27/AR2008082703195.html | newspaper=The Washington Post| title=Peaceful Protests in Kashmir Alter Equation for India | first=Emily | last=Wax | date=28 August 2008 | access-date=23 April 2010}}</ref>

===Party To dispute===
On Wednesday 6 August 2008 the [[Pakistani Senate]] unanimously passed a [[Resolution (law)|resolution]] on the matter. The resolution expressed concerns over attacks on Muslims and their properties by Hindus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C08%5C07%5Cstory_7-8-2008_pg7_22|title=Daily Times|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010181711/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C08%5C07%5Cstory_7-8-2008_pg7_22|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*In response the Indian Foreign Ministry said, "We have seen reports in the Pakistani media that the Senate of Pakistan has passed a resolution about the situation in J & K. Such a resolution amounts to gross interference in our internal affairs. The Senate should attend to issues where it has a [[locus standi]]."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meaindia.nic.in/pressbriefing/2008/08/07pb01.htm |title= 14123|website=meaindia.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410141524/http://www.meaindia.nic.in/pressbriefing/2008/08/07pb01.htm |archive-date=10 April 2009}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Kashmir separatist movement}}

*Chowdhary, Rekha. [https://journals.openedition.org/samaj/2785 ''"Electoral Politics in the Context of Separatism and Political Divergence: An Analysis of 2009 Parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir"'']. ''South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal'', 3, 2009.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amarnath Land Transfer Controversy}}
[[Category:Conflicts in 2008]]
[[Category:Politics of the Kashmir conflict]]
[[Category:2000s in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Controversies in India]]
[[Category:2008 in India]]