Find it Absurd: J&K CM as Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered and sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, is all set to begin soon, and the security measures in place to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the devotees are unprecedented. As part of these beefed-up security measures, the Amarnath Yatra route has been declared a “no flying zone”, effectively banning helicopter services in the area. However, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his discontent over this decision, labeling it as “absurd”.
In an interview, CM Omar Abdullah stated that he finds the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route absurd. He added that this move could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, despite his reservations, he expressed his happiness that the Yatra is going to start soon.
The decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route was taken to prevent any potential security threats and to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The route, which is located in the Kashmir Valley, has been a hotspot for terrorist activities in the past, and the authorities are leaving no stone unturned to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Amarnath Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage that takes place every year in the month of July and August. Thousands of devotees from all over the world flock to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, to pay their respects to the Lord Shiva Lingam, which is said to be formed by the ice and snow of the cave. The Yatra is a grueling and challenging journey, which requires pilgrims to trek for several hours through the treacherous terrain.
The security measures in place for this year’s Yatra are the most stringent in recent years. The authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel, including army personnel, police, and paramilitary forces, to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The route has been thoroughly sanitized, and the authorities are taking no chances when it comes to preventing any security breaches.
Despite the ban on helicopter services, the authorities have made arrangements for pilgrims to travel to the Yatra route by road. Special buses have been arranged to transport the pilgrims from the base camp to the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, which are the two main routes for the Yatra.
The ban on helicopter services has been a subject of controversy, with many pilgrims and organizations expressing their disappointment over the decision. They argue that the ban will cause inconvenience to the pilgrims, especially the elderly and the disabled, who may find it difficult to trek for several hours to reach the Yatra route.
On the other hand, the authorities maintain that the ban is necessary to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. They argue that the helicopter services pose a security risk, as they could be used by terrorists to transport weapons and explosives to the Yatra route.
The Amarnath Yatra has been a major tourist attraction in the Kashmir Valley, and the ban on helicopter services is likely to have a significant impact on the local economy. The valley’s tourism industry relies heavily on the Yatra, and the ban could lead to a significant decline in the number of tourists visiting the region.
In conclusion, while CM Omar Abdullah may find the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route absurd, it is clear that the authorities are taking no chances when it comes to ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. The ban may cause inconvenience to some pilgrims, but it is a necessary measure to prevent any potential security threats. As the Yatra gets underway, the authorities and the pilgrims alike are eagerly waiting to see how this year’s Yatra unfolds.
