Find it Absurd: J&K CM as Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The Amarnath Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to begin soon. The yatra, which attracts lakhs of devotees every year, is considered one of the most sacred and challenging treks in the country. However, the pilgrims will have to do without a convenient mode of transportation this year, as the helicopter service has been grounded due to security concerns.
Following the declaration of the Amarnath Yatra route as a ‘no flying zone’, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision. In an interview, he termed the move as “absurd” and said that it could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about Jammu and Kashmir’s situation.
According to reports, the decision to ban helicopter service was taken by the authorities to beef up security measures for the yatra. The move is aimed at preventing any untoward incident or security breach during the pilgrimage. However, the Chief Minister feels that the decision is not only inconvenient for the pilgrims but also sends a negative signal to the rest of the country.
“It’s absurd,” said Omar Abdullah, “because we are taking away a facility that the pilgrims have been enjoying for years. It’s not just about the convenience; it’s also about the message it sends to the rest of the nation about Jammu and Kashmir’s situation. We want to show that we are open, welcoming and secular, but this decision will give the wrong signal.”
Despite his reservations about the helicopter service ban, Omar Abdullah expressed happiness that the yatra is going to start soon. “I am happy that the yatra is going to start soon,” he said, “and we are making all necessary arrangements to ensure its smooth conduct. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.”
The Amarnath Yatra is a 45-kilometer long trek that takes pilgrims from the base camp in Baltal or Pahalgam to the holy cave of Amarnath. The yatra is considered one of the most challenging pilgrimages in the country, with pilgrims having to trek through treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions.
The ban on helicopter service is likely to affect thousands of pilgrims who had planned to use the service to reach the holy cave. The Pilgrims will now have to rely on trekking or take a bus or taxi to reach the base camp before starting their journey to Amarnath.
The security concerns that led to the ban on helicopter service are not new. In the past, there have been instances of security breaches and attacks on pilgrims and security personnel during the yatra. The authorities have been taking various measures to improve security, including the deployment of additional forces and the installation of CCTV cameras along the yatra route.
The ban on helicopter service is seen as a move to further enhance security measures during the yatra. The authorities are also taking steps to improve the infrastructure and facilities along the yatra route, including the provision of better accommodation and sanitation facilities for the pilgrims.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant event in the country, attracting devotees from all over the world. The yatra is a symbol of the cultural and religious diversity of India, and its importance cannot be overstated. The ban on helicopter service may be inconvenient for the pilgrims, but it is a necessary measure to ensure their safety and security during the yatra.
In conclusion, the ban on helicopter service during the Amarnath Yatra is a significant development that has raised concerns among pilgrims and authorities alike. While the Chief Minister has expressed disappointment at the decision, he is happy that the yatra is going to start soon and is making all necessary arrangements to ensure its smooth conduct. The ban on helicopter service is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, and it is hoped that the authorities will take all necessary steps to make the yatra a success.
