Amarnath Yatra bridges Kashmir with India (English Version) Rakshak News 27 Jun 18
The Amarnath Yatra, which commences at the end of this month is more than just a pilgrimage. It, apart from being a major part of the national calendar of pilgrimages, akin to the Mansarovar Yatra, is an event which builds bridges. It draws the faithful from across the country for a pilgrimage which has continued uninterrupted over the years. Apart from its religious significance, it indicates the government’s determination of ensuring religious diversity even in remote and troubled regions.
For Kashmiri’s the yatra is an early awaited event and is a major revenue earner. Those involved in offering multiple services essential for yatri’s along the final route of the yatra are muslims who have travelled all the way from Rajouri and Doda districts alongside those who come from different regions of the valley. During the yatra period they earn a reasonable sum and thus are present every year despite strict security checks and tough living and working conditions. They are simple hardworking Kashmiri’s who represent the majority, only seeking a better life for their kith and kin, with their earnings here. None of them desires any interruption by means of a militant strike, as it would severely impact their livelihood.
For traders it is a bonanza in sales. With tourism on the wane, it is here that handicrafts are sold in large numbers, as pilgrims desire to carry back fond memories of their visit. Most Kashmiri locals are also welcoming and supportive. There have been reports in previous years of locals assisting stranded yatri’s or accident victims during the process of the yatra.
For the participants, security threats mean little. Every year their numbers increase and so does their determination. When asked, they state in one voice that since the Indian army is responsible for their security, they possess no fear. They represent majority Indians, who trust the army from the depth of their hearts. It is the average Indian who performs the yatra, hence, the determination and spirit shown by him proves that the nation can never be cowed down by any enemy or adversary seeking to harm its internal fibres.
For Pakistan and its small band of terrorists operating within Kashmir, it offers a large movement of unarmed public, representing almost all parts of the nation, consisting of one religious group, transiting on known routes daily. They realize that any incident or strike on this pilgrimage would give them disproportionate publicity. Further, incidents like the attack last year, especially with a BJP government at the centre and governor’s rule in the state could give it a religious character resulting in the targeting of minorities in parts of the nation enhancing communal divide.
Thus, immense precautions are taken at every stage while catering for boarding, transportation, medical emergencies and security of those participating. For the organizers, it would always be sleepless nights, as there are multiple challenges to overcome and innumerable contingencies to cater for, in addition to coordinating actions and activities of a variety of agencies involved in multifarious tasks in the conduct of the yatra. The weather always adds to difficulties as roads can always be blocked leading to traffic being stranded at remote locations.
The yatra is more than just a religious pilgrimage. It is an indicator of the determination of the common Indian, surmounting multiple challenges to fulfil a religious obligation. It conveys to the world that Indians have complete faith in forces responsible for their security and no threat would deter this faith and belief. It also projects to the nation that complete Kashmir is not a troubled region and all Kashmiri’s are not anti-India. It is truly the yatra which bridges Kashmir with the rest of the nation.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army