Find it Absurd: J&K CM as Helicopter Service Not Allowed in Amarnath Yatra Route
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, is just around the corner, and the Kashmir administration has taken unprecedented steps to ensure the safety and security of lakhs of devotees who will be undertaking the journey to the sacred shrine. In a shocking move, the Amarnath Yatra route has been declared a ‘no flying zone’ as part of beefed-up security measures. However, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has expressed his reservations over the decision, terming it “absurd”.
In a statement, CM Omar Abdullah said that he finds the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route absurd. He added that this could send a wrong message to the rest of the nation about Jammu and Kashmir’s situation. While Abdullah acknowledged the need for heightened security measures, he emphasized that the ban on helicopter services is an excessive measure that could have an adverse impact on the pilgrims and the local economy.
It is worth noting that the Amarnath Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India, with lakhs of devotees flocking to the shrine every year to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,960 meters, and the journey to the shrine is a challenging one. The yatra is usually undertaken in July and August, and the pilgrims have to cover a distance of around 14 kilometers from the base camp to the shrine.
The decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route is a significant one, as it will impact the thousands of pilgrims who rely on these services to reach the shrine. The helicopters are used not only by pilgrims but also by the security forces and the medical teams who provide support to the yatra. The ban will also affect the local economy, as many of the local hotels and shops depend on the yatra for their livelihood.
Abdullah’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with many netizens questioning the wisdom of the decision. Some have argued that the ban on helicopter services will lead to chaos and inconvenience among the pilgrims, while others have suggested that the government should reconsider its decision.
However, the government has maintained that the decision to ban helicopter services is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. The Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, has said that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the security of the yatra, and that the ban on helicopter services is part of those efforts.
Despite his reservations over the decision, Abdullah has expressed his happiness that the yatra is going to start soon. He has assured the pilgrims that the government is committed to ensuring their safety and security, and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and peaceful yatra.
The Amarnath Yatra is not only a significant religious event but also a major economic boost for the region. The yatra attracts tourists from all over the world, and the local economy benefits significantly from the influx of pilgrims. The ban on helicopter services is likely to have a significant impact on the local economy, and it remains to be seen how the government will mitigate the effects of this decision.
In conclusion, the decision to ban helicopter services in the Amarnath Yatra route is a significant one, and it has sparked a debate on social media and among political circles. While the government has maintained that the decision is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, CM Omar Abdullah has expressed his reservations over the decision, terming it “absurd”. It remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of the pilgrims and the local economy in the days ahead.
