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Amarnath yatris in agony-I

Sir,

The chaotic scenes at the Registration counters at Jammu call for a review of the idea of registration. This will save the yatris from touts, profiteers and extended stays for which they don't come prepared.

The system came into vogue on the recommendations of a Commission after a tragedy caused a few years ago by unforeseen heavy rains and snow caused the death of about 300 yatris. It was a case of going from one extreme to another. Earlier the 'Darshan' was confined to one week which resulted in too much rush within that space of time. This condition does not apply now when the period has been extended to one month.

The Govt should act as an adviser and facilitator and not as a controller. Its' responsibility should end after giving adequate advice and warning regarding the hazards involved. Other than normal law and order function and other steps where large gatherings are involved, there should be no restriction. Anyone undertaking this pilgrimage does so at his own risk, responsibility and cost. Some old people pray for an end to their mundane existance at the holy place.

An NGO like the Dashnami Akhara Trust, Budshah Chowk, Srinagar, should be actively involved to cut out the officialese and command the confidence of the yatris.

Yours etc...
A S Jamwal Trustee,
Dashnami Akhara Trust
Srinagar

Amarnath yatris in agony-II

Sir,

Amarnath Yatra is held every year in the month of July/August. Pilgrims from all over the country come in substantial numbers to have a glimpse of Shiv lingam in the holy cave of Baba Amar Nath. Such pilgrimages are the roots of our rich cultural heritage and immaculately symbolise the unity, integrity, tolerance, faith and devotion of people of the country who belongs to different castes and communities. The significance and cultural value of such pilgrimages get enhanced manifolds in this era of increasing caste violence, communal terrorism, religious fanaticism and separatist tendencies.

It is bounden and moral duty of the state government to make foolproof arrangements for peaceful and comfortable yatra. People coming from different parts of the country should not be put to any kind of inconvenience and discomforts.

But, tragically and unfortunately, our political leaders and bureaucrats have shown total indifference and callous attitude towards the Amarnath Yatra. They are clamouring for greater autonomy but are least bothered about greater governance. This time they banned Advance registration in J&K, Punjab and Himachal. This led to persecution of pilgrims. This resulted into stampedes and the resultant lathicharge. Administration was totally apathetic and irresponsible. They owe explanation to the people. It is clear that they want Autonomy for personal gains and not for the people.

Yours etc...
P C Sharma
Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Unity stance

Sir,

It is heartening to note that various Kashmiri Pandit organisations have at long last, taken cognizance of the unwavering stand taken by Panun Kashmir. More importantly, they cutting across party lines, have avowed to fight unitedly in their on going struggle for a meaningful and dignified rehabilitation of their community that is languishing in veritable exile in their own country. This much desired unity stance on their part is a happy augury. It is a significant mile stone in the recent chequered history of Kashmiri Pandits, in the post migration period, in so far as it has put their continued fight for their rights on a sounder footing, giving it the fillip it needs.

The leaders of the community have realised, although belatedly, that in their unity alone lies their strength to stand like a rock in the face of the challenges before them, and that unity alone will enable them to shatter to smitherens the shackles of oppression, deprivation and humiliation, which have held the entire community in their relentless grip over the years. It is never too late if the right road is taken by the committed comrades in arms : "Dher Aayae Durast Aayae".

Through the dark cloud of Autonomy buzz, a silver lining has flashed forth. It has dawned on the leaders of the community that the autonomy resolution got through by the J&K Government is fraught with dangers for the country in general and the K.P. community in particular. It has galvanised them into a purposeful resolve for action. The dangers inherent in the demand for greater autonomy have acted as a spur to bring all the K.P. organisations together. They seem to be convinced now, as never before that pulling in different directions will do more harm than good to their community. It is an achievement that a clarion call has been given in one voice by the organisations for a unified action at this critical juncture for achieving the targeted goal.

It is hoped that these leaders will adhere steadfastly to the resolve of pulling their community out of the quagmire of despondency. Let there be no U-turns and no after thoughts and no dragging of feet. The protagonists of different hues will do well to realise that if they fall apart after their spirited avowal in public that they will work in unison, a great opportunity for fighting to the finish for our cause will be irretrievably lost.

Attempts are likely to be made by forces inimical to our interests to throw spanners into our efforts. Allurements and temptations will be set afoot for this purpose. We have to be on guard against the possible blacksheep who may be used to sow seeds of dissension in our community for petty gains.

Yours etc.....
Prof M. L. Raina
Janipur, Jammu.