Will spike in terror acts across Jammu impact economy, pilgrim tourism?

Jatindera Kumar Gupta, Businessman

It is for a fact that many terrorists have infiltrated the beautiful and peaceful land of Jammu after failing miserably at disrupting the serenity of the Kashmir valley. The terrorists are hence continuously trying to create turbulence in our placid homeland and we can’t deny that such misfortunate events create a sense of terror and fright among the people especially the tourists coming from different parts of India for the ongoing religious and spiritual pilgrimage to Sri Amarnath and this sense of threat is evident from the drop in the number of expected pilgrims for this year’s Yatra. So far, many of our brave soldiers have been martyred. This has also impacted the economy as I myself as a trader have witnessed a drop in the sale of goods and such events are a major setback for the tourism sector and the overall economy. Hence, the issue of security is alarming and needs urgent attention in context to the recurrent terror attacks in Jammu.

Akash Yadav, Pilgrim

I am an advocate by profession and have come all the way from Indore to pay obeisance to Sri Baba Barfani and this my first time going on this majestic and metaphysical journey to Sri Amarnath. I am very thrilled to go on this yatra and take the blessings of God. However, it is very disheartening and unfortunate seeing the rise in the number of terror attacks in Jammu but it has not at all shattered my faith in the Almighty and the trust I have in the competence of our brave security forces. Terrorists may try to instill fear but their malicious intend is nothing compared to the unshaken spirit and resilience of our courageous soldiers. We feel very safe here because we have the Indian Army as our backbone and I would urge everyone to not believe in the rumors and just trust the God and our heroes.

Rajkumar Yadav, Pilgrim

This is my second time going on the Amarnath Yatra and I can feel the same amount of joy and excitement (if not more) just like my first time going there. I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the security forces who have ensured our comfort and safety throughout the journey. I don’t feel any kind of threat here because of my greater faith in God and the capabilities of our Jawans to fight for us and I would happily come here again as many as times as I can to take the blessings of the Lord.

Indrajeet Kurmi, Pilgrim

I have come from Nepal to take part in this auspicious Yatra to Sri Amarnath and I am very fondly looking forward to it. I am well acquainted with the recent misfortunate terror events in Jammu and have been engaging in conversations with my co- travellers about it. Regardless, I feel safe and not threatened. We all are here because of God and despite of these tragic events our faith is not shattered. This has in fact motivated us even more and I can’t wait to finally unite with my lord at Amarnath.

Chandraprakash Mishra, Pilgrim

First and foremost I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the authorities handling the functioning and the smooth conduct of the yatra. I am very glad that I am part of this journey and with each passing day , I feel a greater zeal within me. I don’t think there is anything to feel frightened of or any need for us to feel threatened. The only thing I feel right now is the limitless euphoria and a credence that everything will turn out nicely and even if it doesn’t we will still be closer to our ultimate protector- our God.

Bitana Raj, Pilgrim

I have been deeply moved and touched by the hospitality the people of Jammu have to offer. Everyone here is very kind and generous. I feel very grateful to be here in such a culturally rich and beautiful land that I don’t think this pure land is unsafe or not right for visiting. We are here to experience the mystical aura of Baba Barfani and if anything unpleasant happens , I would chant his name and feel his great presence. Hence, I am very contended and joyous to be here.