Muslim Families are Asked to Give up Their Position as Caretakers at Amarnath Siva Cave

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BATAKOOT, INDIA, July 25, 2004: For over 150 years, 60 Muslim families, the Maliks, have been caretakers of the Amarnath Shrine. Their ancestors discovered the shrine and the Hindu king of the time, Gulab Singh, declared that the offerings from worship be distributed equally among the Maliks, the mahant (priest), and the Hindus. This is the way things have been until recently when the state government decided to turn over the administration of the shrine to the State Amarnath Shrine Board. The SASB appointed a tribunal that has decided that the offerings should no longer be split equally three ways but that two-thirds should be given to the mahant and one-third to the Maliks and the Pandits. Ghulam Quadir Malik says, “We don’t want the money. It is an emotional cause. We will fight the case in court. We don’t agree to the tribunal’s recommendations. We have tremendous reverence and respect for the place. Our ancestors were attached to the shrine. We are devout Muslims, but can recite hymns and shlokas (Sanskrit prayers) and the Ved Puranas better than many Hindus. We even know how to perform havans (fire worship).” As chieftain of the clan, Malik further adds, “We have been told not to report at the shrine. This is not in line with what the Maharajas of Kashmir had ordered, instructed or preached.”