Ridiculing Amarnath Yatra Shrine Board's (SASB) argument that the duration of the yatra be curtailed for security reasons, the BJP said security for the pilgrimage is the responsibility of the state government.

"The security of Amarnath yatra is the responsibility of state government. Therefore the argument of the board to curtail the yatra in the name of security is not valid", BJP State Chief Spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh told reporters.

"But this did not entitle the state government to interfere in the affairs of the yatra or its conduct or its dates," the BJP leader said.

"Security environment is safe for tourists visiting Kashmir on one hand and on the other authorities believe the environment is unsafe for Amarnath pilgrims," he wondered.