Shri Amarnath Yatra poised to commence with devotion and communal harmony

The Shri Amarnath shrine is located at the head of the Sind Valley in Kashmir, flanked in the north by the great Himalayan range and in the south by the Sasakat mountain range. It is located beside a small tributary of the Sind River called Amaravati.

It is believed that the Lord Shiva narrated the Amar Katha to Goddess Parvati in this cave; it has been a place of pilgrimage since many centuries.

The Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) is an event that probably rivals the Kumbh Mela in terms of sanctity and religious significance. An annual feature, its uniqueness lies in the difficult terrain and the inclement weather that has to be overcome in order to reach the holy shrine.

The locals of the area are the fulcrum for the success of the Yatra. Unmoved in their faith and devotion to the shrine, the Muslims of the area have never heeded the diktats of terrorists and they participate in the pilgrimage with fervour equal to that of the Hindus.

Hotels, shops, pack ponies, porters and all other related services gear up to welcome the pilgrims. A festive air is visible in the area. The guides and porters of both communities are equally conversant with the legend and mythology and are more than willing to narrate the same to anybody ready to listen to them. Anybody requiring assistance finds hundreds of hands extended towards him, without knowing whether the hand belongs to a Hindu or a Muslim.

The security force deployed in the state comprising of the Indian army, paramilitary troops and Jammu and Kashmir Police ably assist the administration and the locals towards ensuring smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

The task of the security forces begins much before the pilgrims arrive. First and foremost, the army ensures that the entire route is secured against any kind of security threat and is in a fit state to be used by the pilgrims. The soldiers go over the entire route of the pilgrimage, at considerable risk to their life and limb, to set out the trail that the pilgrims ultimately tread. It is only after the Army gives a go ahead that the next step for starting the pilgrimage is taken.

Apart from security the Army and other security establishments provide humanitarian aid to the pilgrims. Throughout the Yatra, in addition to the arrangements made by the civil administration and other voluntary organisations, they provide food, refreshment and shelter to thousands of pilgrims. Helping the aged and the feeble negotiate the adverse terrain is yet another goodwill gesture extended.

Children who are separated from their parents in the large crowds find friendly guides from among the security personnel who lead them back to their worried parents.

The army sets up medical aid posts at various points along the route that are open to all civilians day and night. Veterinary camps are also organised to ensure the safety of the ponies, pack mules and other animals used in the Yatra. The army has exigency plans in place to meet any natural calamity. The mere presence of the Indian soldiers gives a sense of security to the pilgrims.

The prominent role played by the army in the conduct of the Yatra is by virtue of its size and wherewithal. This, by no means, belittles the excellent effort put in year after year by the paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The responsibility for the security of the pilgrims lies on the shoulders of these two organisations and they make elaborate arrangements to ensure the same.

This year has witnessed registration by a record number of pilgrims with the figure having already crossed the two lakh mark. Every effort has been made to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage administratively as well as in terms of security. An elaborate three tier security system has been put in place with additional Paramilitary forces as required having been provided by the centre.


In a unique demonstration of synergy between the security forces, the Corps Commander of the Srinagar based China Corps, Lt. Gen. AK Bhat and the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, SP Vaid, together reviewed the security arrangement on ground. Also present were the officer who are to look after the arrangement on ground.

“The high level joint delegation also reconnoitered the routes and took stock of the security setup at key locations. The continued synergy among various stakeholders was emphasised by the senior commanders while interacting with the troops and officials on ground” an army spokesman said.


The deep interest being taken at the highest level by the centre as well as the state administration indicates the significance being attached to the safe and proper conduct of the pilgrimage. The pilgrims, by remaining disciplined and by adhering to the security rules can make a big contribution in ensuring the pilgrimage become a memorable one for all. It should never be forgotten that the threat to the Yatra from terrorist violence is palpable and all have to join hands to negate the same.

With all arrangements in place it can be safely said that Kashmir is poised to receive its annual guests to its most revered shrine. It is time to extend best wishes to the organisers as well as those who are undertaking the holy pilgrimage.

(Jaibans Singh is a reputed columnist, author and speaker)