Yes, the statement quoted above (as per sources) stands true. This year’s Amarnath Yatra moves towards its final conclusion, and it is off course a celebratory moment for the forces and one of confusion for the militants, as the year of 2018-19 has recorded only two terror accidents. As past data reveals, there were about 100 such terror incidents in 2018, while in 2017 the toll was 36.
Hindu pilgrims travel to Amarnath to worship at the holy cave of Lord Shiva. The cave is located southeast of Srinagar which forms a part of Jammu & Kashmir, which is infamous for its unending land dispute and forming a highly militarised and disturbed area since decades. The pilgrimage recorded a 2.9 lakh footfall amidst the security and strict control supervised by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Army and the Police of Jammu & Kashmir.
Terrorism in Kashmir valley always a concern in Amarnath Yatra 2019
Terrorism in the valley has been kept at bay, at least in Amarnath. The media reports state that the situation has improved dramatically in the last two months after the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji took over. The claims have been made by forces that are now integrating well with Indian polity.
“The strategy of the new home minister has turned around the situation in the state, especially now when we have to manage lakhs of civilians” one official states.
Climatic conditions have been responsible for the death of a few yatri, which upon intent can be seen as a less serious cause of death, contrasted with the terror attacks. Regardless, our condolences to the families of those who couldn’t fight against the forces of nature.
It was about two years back in 2017 that a terrorist attack killed and injured 7 and 19 pilgrims respectively. Traffic regulation in the area worked in security forces favor. After the Pulwama attack, no chances were to be taken, furthermore, the regulating traffic helped in sanitise the yatra keeping it bereft of militancy, managing the yatris better and other similar virtues.
Amarnath Yatra 2019 and the Kashmir Issue
That’s broadly the news. This article would be incomplete if the Kashmir issue remains untouched. As one may realise reading the above article that the lowering terrorism rate becomes a cause of relief, this is so because there have been previous cases of terrorism on account of the ongoing conflict. Imagine the beauty of indifference arisen when reading a headline stated “Another year passes by, no terror incidents in Amarnath Yatra 2019”, a phrase that would bring no novelty and bear a repetitive character indicating a numb peace. The situation in the valley at this point of time may or may not be improving, for we don’t have the means to conduct an in-depth on-ground journalistic report.
Although we would have likened to, but the point here is that lowering terror incidents in the short run does not guarantee that things will continue just the same in the long run. And if we want things to be just the same, it’s about time that a resolution be sought after. One that may be a fair compromise to all the stakeholders who got themselves involved in this whole menace by way of their time, effort and resources. The resolution, something that is different and more peaceful than what stands to be today.
The situation in the valley at this point of time may or may not be improving, for we don’t have the means to conduct an in-depth on-ground journalistic report. Although we would have likened to, However, the point here is that lowering terror incidents in the short run does not guarantee that things will continue just the same in the long run. And if we want things to be just the same, it’s about time that a resolution is sought after. One that may be a fair compromise to all the stakeholders who got themselves involved in this whole menace by way of their time, effort and resources. The resolution, something that is different and more peaceful than what stands to be today.
Read also: https://talepost.com/interesting-facts-about-dussehra/