There is no doubt that the ensuing Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on June 30 and end on August 11, 2022, besides being of great religious importance for Hindu religion, also have a great economic value for the entire Union Territory especially Kashmir region, as there are a number of people who are dependent on this annual religious congregation for their livelihood. As during recent two years, the Yatra was cancelled and in 2019, it was stopped midway by the Union Government, as a security measure due to August 5 decision of the Government, all those sections of society like Poney-wallas, Pitthus, labourers, small shopkeepers etc, which were dependent on the Yatra, faced a lot of hardships due to financial restraints. But now, when the administration has put in place all possible measures for ensuring smooth and hassle-free Yatra this year, it is expected that all such people would also get a major relief. Recently, while speaking on the sidelines of a function, LG Manoj Sinha has said that the economy of Jammu and Kashmir will get a big boost with the revival of Yatra after two years. While expressing gratitude toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their special interest towards finalising all arrangements of the Yatra, he has sought cooperation from people for the success of the event. The LG further said that we should not take pilgrimage as only a religious event, belonging to a particular religion, but it should be taken as a source of prosperity and progress for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as besides giving a major boost to the UT’s economy’s the successful conduct of the Yatra will present a totally new picture of the Union territory to the outside world, thereby attracting more and more tourists to J&K. He also requested people not to believe in rumours, as there are several anti-national elements which want to disrupt the developmental and peace process going on in the Union Territory. The LG is very much right in his assertion as the Yatra is no doubt a source of livelihood for lakhs and being citizen of J&K, it is duty of every responsible person to ensure that pilgrims, who will from all corners of the country to J&K for Yatra, should return home with a good and memorable experience.
