Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sunil Sharma stated that if reports are accurate—that up to 95 percent of the 20 tonnes of silver sent by the Shrine Board for melting was found to be fake—it constitutes an extremely serious matter. He emphasized that the faith of millions of devotees is deeply connected to the shrine and urged the Shrine Board to come forward and clarify the situation. He further demanded a fair and transparent investigation to determine how such a large-scale discrepancy could occur.
Senior leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Virendra Singh Sonu, also expressed concern over media reports indicating that 95 percent of the silver was counterfeit. He noted that the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shrine Board, should immediately respond to the allegations. Sonu called for a thorough and impartial inquiry to establish whether the issue involves a scam or if there are other underlying factors.
Echoing similar concerns, senior National Conference leader and former Member of the Legislative Council Sheikh Bashir Ahmad described the matter as highly sensitive, given its direct connection to public faith. He stressed that millions of devotees visit the shrine with deep trust and devotion, and any irregularity in offerings could severely hurt their sentiments. He also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The controversy gained further traction after it was prominently highlighted in a prime-time segment of Zee News, intensifying public scrutiny and political pressure. The developments have raised a critical question: whether the faith of devotees is being compromised in any manner.
According to reports, ornaments initially estimated to be worth approximately ₹550 crore were found, upon examination, to contain only about ₹30 crore worth of genuine silver. Investigations reportedly revealed the presence of cadmium and other metals in large quantities, further deepening the seriousness of the issue. The Goldsmith Association of Katra has also expressed concern and demanded a strict investigation into the matter, citing its direct impact on the sentiments of millions of devotees.
All eyes are now on the administration and the Shrine Board to establish the truth and ensure transparency in addressing the allegations surrounding one of the most revered religious institutions in the country.
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