Shri Amarnath Yatra-2025 makes consequential difference for J&K for all times to come

JAMMU: The Amarnath Yatra 2025 has defied all the doomsayers. It has started on a very positive note. Thousands of pilgrims from across the country have descended into Jammu and Kashmir, for their journey to the cave shrine in Kashmir Himalayas, devoted to Lord Shiva.

A big question mark had hung over the annual yatra after Pahalgam massacre. The very brutality with which the terrorists shot dead tourists after ascertaining their faith had sent shockwaves across the country. There was a nation-wide outrage. It was not only condemned but the countrymen also called for avenging the carnage.
At the time of writing, first batch of the pilgrims has reached the cave shrine. They are chanting religious slogans, hailing Lord Shiva. Other batches are readying to reach the shrine. There is both enthusiasm and air of spiritualism all over.
In simple words, pilgrims and the organizers of the yatra have accomplished a Herculean task. Lieutenant Governor and Chairman Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Manoj Sinha has been working 24×7 for making arrangements and ensuring foolproof security for the pilgrims .Many a new facilities were set up and existing were upgraded to give a life time experience to the devotees coming from across the country.
But this year’s yatra is beyond the facilities and security. It has many other dimensions , which came to fore after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. That terror attack had shattered the notion that tourists were safe in the Valley. Although Pakistan’s intentions were very well known in the country but Pahalgam shocked and surprised everyone . Jammu and Kashmir has, in fact been the victim of Pakistan sponsored terrorism since 1947 – the tribesmen’s invasion backed by Pakistan army was the first act of terrorism in J&K, in which not only the people were massacred but India lost a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir- Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. However, Pahalgam happened at a time when Kashmir was considered terror-free. That was not just an idea but a pleasant reality.
Now with the start of the pilgrimage, and thousands joining it with the traditional, rather with an extra dose of enthusiasm – displaying their religious devotion to the shrine, and also reflecting a confidence that terror act of April 22 cannot hold them back from their religious journey of faith. They snubbed terrorists and their backers. They have reinforced the message that Operation Sindoor delivered to Pakistan that terrorism and its infrastructure and men will be targeted wherever they might exist. Borders will not come in between.
The pilgrims have delivered a supplementary tiding. They have visited the Valley without any fear. Their security has been ensured by the soldiers, who targeted and decimated the terror infrastructure and its inmates in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir on the intervening night of May 6 and 7. Within Jammu and Kashmir, their confidence has gone up with the presence of security personnel along the route. That pilgrims trounced the fear and rebuffed the terror is one of the main features of this year’s yatra.
This yatra will also add to the confidence of the people of Kashmir, who felt and suffered the impact of Pahalgam tragedy. They were waiting to overcome the depressing environment. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha by his tireless efforts helped them to do so. It is nothing short of a miracle. Just compare the times after April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and now. A consequential difference has been made by the pilgrimage.