Pilgrimage that builds bridges The Statesman 18 Jul 17
The attack on the bus of returning Amarnath yatri’s resulting in seven deaths has shaken the nation. Protests and bandhs paralysed life in Jammu for a couple of days, the starting point of the yatra, as also in other parts of the state, in solidarity. A candle light vigil was held in Srinagar and ‘not in my name’ vigil in Delhi. Death due to accidents is acceptable, however by terror strikes is not.
The nation had come together in criticizing the incident. For once, most political parties, barring the odd, avoided playing politics over the attack. The candle light vigil in Srinagar indicated that despite claims, the majority are not against the state. There was even muted criticism from the Hurriyat. Security forces have stepped up their operations and a massive hunt is underway to track down the perpetrators of the attack.
The most remarkable fallout is the increased determination of the participants of the yatra. There is no indication of fear or worry amongst the faithful. Those participating state in one voice that since their army is responsible for security, there is no fear. They represent the majority of Indians who trust the army with their lives. This is the true national spirit and an indicator of the grit and faith of the common Indian. It is the average Indian who performs the yatra, hence, the 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 the locals of Kashmir, the yatra is an eagerly awaited event, as it is a major revenue earner. Those offering their services to the yatris’ along the route to the shrine have travelled large distances, some coming all the way from Rajouri and Doda, south of the Pir Panjal range, while others from across the valley. During the short yatra, they earn a fairly large sum and are there every year, despite strict security checks, tough living and working conditions. None of them desire any interruption, nor terror strikes, which could impact the flow of devotees. They are the simple, hard working Kashmiri’s, who represent the majority, seeking a better life for their kith and kin, however are overshadowed by the minority, throwing stones, indulging in violence or joining militancy.
For local traders, it is a bonanza in sales. With tourism on the wane, this is the market for handicrafts and all who attend always carry back memories of the darshan. Most commercial outlets in the state gain during this period. The locals are welcoming and have a positive attitude towards the participants. There are numerous reports of locals assisting yatris stranded or injured due to accidents, as had occurred on Sunday. It is only the very few, instigated by the pro-Pak separatists or terrorists who seek to target simple yatris’, with ulterior motives.
At the central government level, the yatra is a part of the national calendar, drawing the faithful from across the country, to participate in an annual pilgrimage, which has continued uninterrupted in recent times. Apart from its religious significance, it is an indicator of the government’s determination of ensuring religious diversity of the nation even in remote and troubled areas.
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.
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 transiting on known routes daily. They realize that any incident or strike on this religious pilgrimage would give them disproportionate publicity. Further, incidents like the attack this year, especially with a BJP government at the centre could give it a religious character resulting in the targeting of minorities, thus enhancing communal divide.
Hence, they issued a dictum to their inducted cadre to strike. Enhanced deployment of security forces, increased counter terrorism actions and multiple layers of counter infiltration grid, prior to the commencement of the yatra was solely undertaken to offset their plans. However, despite all efforts, there is always laxity, resulting in an untoward incident.
The incident involving the bus was one of those unplanned contingencies which occurred. The bus managed to break all security barriers and rules without raising eyebrows. It is a wakeup call for those involved in its conduct, that lapses can occur despite precautions. On the other hand, it also indicated the faith and trust of the bus passengers on local population, that they spent time shopping and sightseeing, unmindful of threats lurking around the corner. However, it was neither the bravado nor planning of the terrorists who struck the bus, resulting in casualties, but an opportunity which came their way, simply because the tourists believed they were safe, after all they were travelling within their own country.
Anti-national elements would continue to seek means to break the bonds which exist between the common Kashmiri and the rest of the nation, but would never be permitted to succeed. Everyone involved with its conduct would now enhance measures to prevent any reoccurrence as had happened. Those participating would also strictly follow security guidelines.
Despite the incident, the yatra must continue with equal determination and its importance must enhance with every passing year. It is an annual pilgrimage which is equally important for Kashmir and its populace, as it is for the nation. The recent incident brought all political parties together. Across the board condemnation and candle light vigils foiled plans of terrorists at creating a religious divide. India has proved, yet again, that it can and will remain united, despite attempts from across the border seeking to split the nation on a religion bias.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army