JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday demanded that the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) issue a comprehensive 'White Paper' detailing its income, expenditure, offerings, and assets over the last 10 years. Simultaneously, the party urged the Central Government to implement uniform transparency standards across all major religious trusts in the country.
Addressing media persons, Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K chief Manish Sahni stated that nearly 500,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance to the holy ice 'Shivling' so far during the ongoing 57-day Shri Amarnath Yatra of 2026.
Sahni remarked, "This pilgrimage is not merely a religious event, but a symbol of the deep-seated faith of millions of Indians and the country's cultural heritage. The Shrine Board collects crores of rupees annually through mandatory registration fees, online and cash offerings, special pujas, and donations. Financial transparency in institutions linked to public faith is the need of the hour."
Citing recent allegations of financial irregularities at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Sahni emphasized the growing demand for greater accountability in the functioning of religious trusts nationwide. He urged the Union Government to mandate strict compliance measures—such as digital record-keeping, independent audits, and regular public financial disclosures—for all major religious bodies.
Furthermore, the Shiv Sena leader raised concerns regarding the duration of the Yatra and demanded a reconstitution of the Shrine Board to include local religious representatives. Sahni also expressed deep concern that in recent years, the Holy ice 'Shivling' melts before the official conclusion of the pilgrimage, hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees. He demanded a fresh review of the Yatra's duration and urged the reconstitution of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to ensure the inclusion of local religious representatives. On this occasion Vikas Bakshi, Sanjeev Kohli, Sanjay Bhatt were present.
