Find it Absurd: J&K CM as Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir, has been making headlines recently. As part of the beefed-up security measures, the authorities have declared the yatra route as a ‘no flying zone’, which has left many concerned. And among those who find this decision absurd is none other than Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
In a recent statement, Omar Abdullah expressed his dismay at the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route. He termed the move as “absurd” and said that it could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, despite his reservations, he expressed happiness that the yatra is going to start soon.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, which attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The yatra is a 43-kilometer trek from the base camp in Pahalgam to the holy cave of Amarnath, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters above sea level. The yatra is undertaken to pay homage to Lord Shiva, who is said to have revealed the secrets of immortality to his consort, Parvati, in the cave.
The decision to ban helicopter services in the yatra route was taken to ensure the security of the pilgrims and to prevent any untoward incidents. The authorities have also increased the number of security personnel and installed CCTV cameras along the trek route to ensure the safety of the devotees.
However, Omar Abdullah’s concerns about the decision are understandable. The ban on helicopter services could lead to difficulties for the elderly and the differently-abled pilgrims who may find it challenging to complete the trek on foot. The decision could also lead to economic losses for the local tourism industry, which relies heavily on the yatra season.
Moreover, the ban on helicopter services could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about Jammu and Kashmir’s situation. The state has been facing security challenges for many years, and the ban on helicopter services could be seen as an overreaction to the situation. It could also lead to a perception that the state is not capable of ensuring the safety of its citizens and pilgrims.
On the other hand, the authorities have argued that the ban on helicopter services is necessary to ensure the security of the pilgrims. They have pointed out that the yatra route is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and the ban on helicopter services would prevent any potential threats from being carried out.
In conclusion, while the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route has been taken to ensure the security of the pilgrims, it has raised concerns about the difficulties it may cause for the elderly and the differently-abled pilgrims. The decision could also send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about Jammu and Kashmir’s situation. As Omar Abdullah has said, the decision is absurd and could have unintended consequences. Only time will tell if the authorities’ decision to ban helicopter services in the yatra route is the right one.
