Jammu & Kashmir, July 2 -- A wave of criticism has erupted across the country following the Jammu and Kashmir administration's decision to impose a fee on pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra. The move, facilitated through the Amarnath Shrine Board, has triggered what many describe as the "monetisation of faith," with devotees, activists, and civil society members expressing outrage over what they see as the commercialisation of a sacred Hindu pilgrimage.

Kashmiri Pandit activist and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Peace Forum, Satish Mahaldar, has strongly criticised the move, calling it an affront to religious freedom and spiritual dignity. "Is this the new normal in India - pay to pray?" he asked, while urging the governme...