Find it Absurd: J&K CM Asks Why Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The much-awaited Amarnath Yatra is just around the corner, and the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. As part of the beefed-up security measures, the Amarnath Yatra route has been declared a ‘no flying zone’, meaning helicopter services will not be allowed to operate in the area. While this decision has been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his reservations about the same.
In a recent statement, Omar Abdullah said that he finds the decision to declare the Amarnath Yatra route a ‘no flying zone’ absurd. According to him, this decision could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the decision could give an impression that the state is not capable of handling the situation and that the government is unable to provide adequate security to the pilgrims.
It is worth noting that the Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important and sacred pilgrimages in the Hindu calendar. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all over the world throng to the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. The yatra is a major economic and social boost to the state, and any disruptions to the pilgrimage can have far-reaching consequences.
Omar Abdullah’s criticism of the decision to ban helicopter services is not without merit. The Amarnath Yatra is a challenging and arduous journey, and the ban on helicopter services will only add to the difficulties faced by the pilgrims. The yatra route is already treacherous, with steep mountain paths and unpredictable weather conditions making it a daunting task for the pilgrims.
Moreover, the ban on helicopter services will not only inconvenience the pilgrims but also the security forces that are tasked with ensuring their safety. The security forces will have to rely on foot patrols and other conventional methods to monitor the yatra route, which will not only be more time-consuming but also more challenging.
Despite his reservations about the decision, Omar Abdullah has expressed his happiness that the Amarnath Yatra is going to start soon. He has appealed to the devotees to maintain peace and harmony during the yatra and to cooperate with the security forces to ensure their safety.
The decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route is not the only security measure that has been taken by the government. The government has also deployed additional security forces along the yatra route, and strict checks are being conducted on the pilgrims and their luggage.
Additionally, the government has also set up a control room to monitor the yatra and to respond quickly to any situation that may arise. The control room will be manned by officials from the police, army, and other security agencies, who will work together to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.
In conclusion, while the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route may have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, it is not without its flaws. The decision could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and it may not be the most effective way to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.
However, despite his reservations about the decision, Omar Abdullah has expressed his happiness that the Amarnath Yatra is going to start soon, and he has appealed to the devotees to maintain peace and harmony during the yatra. The government has also taken several other security measures to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, and it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in ensuring the smooth conduct of the yatra.
