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| Amarnath yatra is a symbol of National integration: Padha | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | June 8
Gross root level workers in various trade organizations connected with tourism and pilgrimage have assailed a virulent campaign launched by some elements in Kashmir against the annual Amarnath yatra, by rising imaginary concerns about harmful effects of the yatra to the ecology and environment of the area as well as its adverse effect on holiday tourism in and around Pahalgam and Baltal etc during the yatra period.
In a joint media conference addressed by Mahesh Padha, president Jammu Tourist Trades Employees Federation, said that the Hindu pilgrimage (Amarnath yatra) in overwhelming Muslim majority Kashmir, is the symbol of communal harmony and religious tolerance in the state. Traditionally the local Muslims have been throwing warmest hospitality and rendering all the services to the Hindu pilgrims, coming from all over the country to perform the yatra. But unfortunately for last few years some elements hostile to the yatra, motivated by their vested interests and communal mindset, have been raising one objection after the other over the promotion of yatra and much larger number of piligrims to perform it. The yatra provides economic boon to Hindus and Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir respectively. During the height of militancy in Kashmir, when tourist there had come to grinding Amarnath yatra which provided some relief to the small traders, labourers and daily wagers, engaged to provide various services to the pilgrims.
Padha and leaders of other organizations also welcomed the setting up of base camp for yatra in the form of yatri niwas at Bhagwati Nagar Jammu. But they demanded that to avoid traffic chaos on the narrow lane leading to Bhagwati Nagar, a high level road connected right on the bank of river Tawi near the main bridge with the yatri niwas site should be constructed soon. Besides Padha others who were present in the press conference included Desraj Sharma, President Hotel employees union Jammu, S. Rajinder Singh President all Jammu auto operators association, Pawan Sharma, President tourist guides association, Aruna Bakshi, Sunita Padha and Sneh Sharma. |
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