The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir was on Tuesday directed by the Supreme Court to file a comprehensive affidavit on the situation in Kishtwar and steps taken by the government to provide safe passage to the pilgrims stranded between Kishtwar and Padar due to curfew since August 9.
The court passed the order while issuing notice on a petition filed by the J&K National Panthers Party.
Curfew was imposed on the evening of August 9 and pilgrims returning from their pilgrimage to Machel Mata Temple in Padar, about 90 km north of Kishtwar adjoining Kargil terrain, were stopped by the police owing to the disturbed situation in Kishtwar, Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh told a three-Judge Bench of Chief Justice P. Sathasivam and Justices Ms. Ranjana Desai and Ranjan Gogoi.
He sought clarification on facilities such as food, lodging and medicare extended to those stranded. He also sought a judicial inquiry into the tragic incident on the day of Eid, when three people were killed and shops, houses and vehicles were destroyed by a mob in the presence of the administration and the police.State government counsel said only 257 pilgrims were stranded and they would be evacuated soon. The government had ordered a judicial enquiry and announced compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for loss of lives and Rs. 2 lakh for loss of property.
The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 21.
