Despite the volatile situation in Anantnag following violence and the resultant curfew, Amarnath pilgrims are passing through it without any problem. On Saturday, over 6,000 pilgrims reached the Nunwan base camp here.
The pilgrims do not feel they are in a “hostile” area as is being given to understand in the rest of the country. “We did not face any problem. We enjoyed the journey,” said Sushila from Nagpur. She is travelling in a group of 10 for the pilgrimage. Another pilgrim, Suresh, said television news channels had given an impression that Kashmir “is burning,” but “the reality is different.” “We have full faith in Baba Amarnath and our journey will be smooth,” said Mr. Suresh.
But some pilgrims are upset that security forces had advised them against visiting Shalimar and Nishat Bagh.
Protests continue
Curfew was relaxed in Anantnag for two hours. However, the relaxation was withdrawn as people took to the streets in the Lal Chowk and Sherpora areas and threw stones at security forces, police said. As the protests intensified, the police lobbed tear-gas shells and fired in the air to disperse the protesters. No one was injured. On Tuesday, three youths were killed in firing by the CRPF and the police, after which curfew was imposed in the town.
The pilgrims say local Kashmiris have always been hospitable and “it is always a treat to be here.” But local shopkeepers complain that pilgrims do not shop much in the area as “they are whisked away to Chandanwari by the authorities without allowing them to spend much time in Pahalgam.” But ponywallas and labourers are having a field day, thanks to the yatra, which will conclude on August 24.
At the Nunwan camp, authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the stay of pilgrims. They are being sensitised to the route and the weather conditions.
Earlier Pahalgam was the only route taken by the pilgrims to reach the cave, but now many prefer the Baltal route which consumes less time. On Saturday, over 6,700 pilgrims proceeded to Sheshnag/Panjtarni from the Nunwan camp and thousands are on their way to the shrine from Jammu. According to a spokesman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), 20,000 pilgrims had darshan during the past two days.
Meanwhile, Governor N.N. Vohra, who is also chairman of the SASB, held a meeting to review the arrangements for the yatra. He was told that board officials were in touch with Chief Executive Officer R.K. Goyal from all points of the route. This had become possible as the board had acquired digital satellite phones which were installed in the crucial camps at Sheshnag, Panjtarni and at the holy cave.
Phone facility
The CEO informed the Governor that the BSNL had provided cellular phone connectivity at Baltal and Chandanwari. This will enable the pilgrims to have telephonic contact with family members.
