Amarnath Yatra benefits Kashmiri’s (English Version) Rakshak News 10 Jul 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/kashmiris-get-benefit-from-amarnath-yatra
Amarnath Yatra benefits Kashmiri’s (English Version) Rakshak News 10 Jul 19
The Amarnath Yatra is the best employment opportunity for Kashmiri’s, especially in a state where tourism, its main ministry is suffering due to actions of separatists and terrorists. At various locations, shopkeepers and traders set up kiosks selling walking sticks, puja items, Kashmiri shawls and handicrafts. In addition are those who offer their services along with their pony’s as also manually transporting devotees on their palanquins.
The business is immense and as per 2016 reports walking sticks worth over 40 Lakhs were sold in one season. Those involved in business and services during the yatra come from almost every part of the state. They are put through rigorous security checks before being permitted to participate. They also live under tough conditions. Their earnings in this season alone justifies their effort.
Traditionally, Kashmiri’s have always been supportive of the yatra. There are multiple reports of locals rushing to help tourists stranded due to accidents during the yatra. A successful yatra also implies a possible better tourist season. Violence during this period has a negative impact.
The participants of the yatra come from every corner of the nation and are of every age, filled with them hope, faith and belief. They have faith in the nation’s security apparatus and have hence chosen to make this trip. They are prepared for the hazardous journey and tough climatic conditions. If cared for well, they would return to visit the state.
For most attending, this is their maiden yatra. Prior to coming to Kashmir, the only impression they would have carried would have been what has been reported in the media. The media devotes its news on Kashmir to militant encounters, stone pelting and bandhs. It projects the state negatively.
The participants during their move halt at multiple places, meet the local Kashmiri, who forms majority of the populace and slowly develop a different image. From the base camp onwards, the pilgrim interacts with hardworking locals, who put themselves in difficulty to ensure his comfort, which further changes his outlook. He realizes that majority Kashmiris are hardworking seeking to eke a living and care as much for their families as any other Indian. The drive during the yatra involves moving through the most picturesque parts of Kashmir.
Thus, at the end of the yatra the pilgrims end up as ambassadors of Kashmir, projecting its natural beauty and spreading word on the common Kashmiri, since most would have had long conversations with them during the trek from the base camp.
Most militant groups, with local terrorists, are aware of the importance of the yatra and the income it provides to the Kashmiri population. Hence, know that any attack on the yatra would only alienate them further. Last year, the local Hizbul Mujahideen leader sent a message to the participants of the yatra, stating, ‘You don’t need any security as you are our guests’. This year, they have maintained silence as there is almost no leadership left.
Within Pak, there is a different perception. An attack on the yatra could lead to religious riots across the country. This could enhance internal tensions and benefit Pak propaganda machinery. Hence, terrorists which it infiltrates would have been briefed to strike at the yatra. If the strike leads to large casualties, India would be forced to respond across the border.
It is to prevent such attacks that security for the yatra is essential. This involves securing the route, place of halts and even where the movement is on foot. Each year lessons are learnt and implemented. The force levels deployed are assisted by drones and other surveillance devices, all aimed at enhancing security.
For those involved in the conduct, it is a nightmare. There are multiple agencies with varied roles, whose functioning needs to be coordinated. There are many stumbling blocks including weather, landslides and accidents. Camps need to be prepared for multiple contingencies. Drills and responsibilities have been clearly laid down, yet there is always the unexpected which may occur.
A peaceful yatra brings forth multiple benefits. It promotes tourism, provides a major source of revenue for the locals and in turn for the state, provides employment opportunities for many locals as also spreads a message on the true character of the general Kashmiri. For the nation, the yatra signifies the bonding between Kashmir and the rest of the nation.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army