Terrorists who attacked innocent yatris to Amarnath must be condemned. Such attacks are followed by usual sorrow, blame game and compensations.
Yatris can forcefully motivate J and K government by stopping Amarnath yatra for at least 3 to 4 years. Living worshipper can be more valuable than a dead one. There is no reason to walk into jaws of death by terrorists’ bullets in name of any religion, faith and any God.
There are 11 major jyotirlings within India where yatris can go without any army or security protection. Revenue going to J and K from 2,00,000 yatris can be diverted to states within India. It can also save expenses to deploy army and security personnel.
At the same time we can flatter Bhagwan Shankar by paying more attention to 11 holy places.
Matter of deterring terrorists is a triangular affair between state government, central government and yatris. Central government has posted 40,000 army personnel to protect pilgrims, and later combing area for suspected attackers. Yet there is no guarantee about pilgrims’ safety. J and K government earns revenue from 200,000 yatris yet is unable to deter and punish terrorists, which emboldens them towards next opportunity to attack.
Ramesh Jhalla
By email
