Find it Absurd: J&K CM as Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, is set to commence soon, and with it, the Indian government has taken unprecedented security measures to ensure the safety of devotees. One such measure is the declaration of the Yatra route as a “no flying zone”. This decision has been met with a mix of reactions, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing his dismay at the restrictions.
In an interview, Omar Abdullah termed the decision as “absurd” and said that it could send a “wrong message to the rest of the nation about J&K’s situation”. The CM argued that the decision would hinder the efforts to promote tourism in the state and could have a negative impact on the local economy.
The move to ban helicopters from flying over the Yatra route is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the security and safety of devotees. The Amarnath Yatra is a highly controversial pilgrimage, with previous years witnessing violent clashes between devotees and security personnel. In 2008, the Yatra was marred by a stampede that resulted in the deaths of over 250 pilgrims.
This year, the government has taken extra precautions to avoid any such incidents. The ban on helicopter services is aimed at preventing any potential threats to the Yatra from above. The government has also deployed additional security personnel and set up checkpoints along the route to ensure the smooth passage of devotees.
Despite his reservations about the decision, Omar Abdullah seemed relieved that the Yatra is set to commence soon. “I am happy that the Yatra is going to start soon,” he said. “We have taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of devotees, and I am confident that the Yatra will be conducted peacefully.”
The decision to ban helicopter services has also received criticism from the opposition parties in the state. The National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, has accused the government of being “anti-pilgrim” and “anti-terrorism”. The party has demanded that the government reconsider its decision and allow helicopter services to operate over the Yatra route.
However, the Jammu and Kashmir government has remained firm on its decision. A government spokesperson said that the decision was taken in the interest of national security and to ensure the safety of devotees. “We cannot compromise on the security of the Yatra,” the spokesperson said. “The ban on helicopter services is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential threats to the Yatra.”
The Amarnath Yatra is a highly revered pilgrimage that attracts millions of devotees from across the world. The Yatra is a 45-day long pilgrimage that takes devotees from Jammu to the shrine of Amarnath in the Kashmir Valley. The shrine is located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet and is known for its natural ice lingam, which is said to symbolize the divine love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Yatra has been a major source of revenue for the state, with millions of devotees visiting the shrine every year. However, the pilgrimage has also been marred by violence and controversy in the past. In 2008, the Yatra was cancelled due to security concerns, and in 2013, a group of devotees clashed with security personnel, resulting in the death of over a dozen people.
In light of these incidents, the government has taken extra precautions to ensure the security and safety of devotees this year. The ban on helicopter services is just one of the many measures that have been taken to prevent any potential threats to the Yatra.
In conclusion, the decision to ban helicopter services over the Amarnath Yatra route has sparked a heated debate in Jammu and Kashmir. While the government has defended its decision, citing national security concerns, the opposition parties have criticized the move, terming it as “anti-pilgrim” and “anti-terrorism”. As the Yatra is set to commence soon, it remains to be seen how the government’s decision will impact the pilgrimage.
