Against this background, the arrival of the first party pilgrims was not only seen as the beginning of a religious journey, but also a symbolic statement of unity | Photocredit: Imran Nissar
Days after Lieutenant – Governor Manoj Sinha said that the annual Amarnath Yatra was a “explanation against terrorism”, the first series of pilgrims – 12,348 in total – had Darshan in the Himalayan Cave Shrine on Thursday.
In the midst of tight security schemes, the spiritual pilgrimage started, which leads to the cave at an altitude of 13,700 feet, on July 3 and will be closed on 9 August. This year, however, the Yatra is seen as a symbol of challenges after a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
In a recent newspaper article, Sinha wrote: “This year’s Amarnath Yatra is also a statement against terrorism. The soul of J&K was injured in Pahalgam, with the killing of innocent civilians by Pakistani terrorists after identifying their faith. The Nation was in Shock. Massest.” ” Massive protest. “
The attack in Pahalgam, an important stop on one of the pilgrimage routes, caused widespread anger throughout the country. The murder of 26 tourists and a local pony operator led to street protests over the valley of Kashmir, with protesters who regret the attack in one voice.
Against this background, the arrival of the first party pilgrims was not only seen as the beginning of a religious journey, but also a symbolic statement of unity.
When Yatris entered the valley on 2 August, they were welcomed by high government officials and residents.
“We have always welcomed the Yatris, and this year we want them to know that we are standing with them,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a local resident.
Mushtaq Pahalgami, chief spokesman for the Pahalgam Alliance – a civil society and trade coalition – share line That local volunteers had set up camping to offer pilgrims water and other supplies.
“We wanted them to spread the message of peace and be the ambassadors of Vrede,” he said.
Yatra and politics
However, some political analysts in the region say that linking peace with pilgrimage is an attempt to politicize an age -old religious tradition.
“By presenting the Yatra as a statement against terrorism, the government shifts the story of spiritual dedication to strategic symbolism,” said a political commentator in the valley, who refused to be called.
Published on July 4, 2025
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