Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has affirmed that the annual Amarnath pilgrimage will proceed as scheduled. Pahalgam serves as a crucial base camp on the traditional 43-kilometer route to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
Speaking to PTI Videos, Choudhary emphasized the religious significance of the yatra, stating, “Amarnath yatra is a religious event. Those who want to come for Amarnath yatra will come of their own will… The yatra shall not be affected just because of the Pahalgam terror attack.”
He acknowledged the gravity of the terror attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives, primarily tourists, but asserted that such incidents cannot undermine the deep-rooted culture and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the role of Kashmiris in facilitating the yatra over the years and cited the example of a local horse owner, Adil, who lost his life while trying to save tourists, underscoring the spirit of brotherhood in the region.
“Kashmiris will themselves facilitate the yatra as they have been doing over the years… This act of terror in Pahalgam, though it was big, cannot shake the foundations of brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir,” Choudhary stated.
The annual Amarnath yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9.
Regarding the impact of the attack on tourism, the Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that while they preferred tourists to continue their planned trips, the administration provided all necessary assistance to those who wished to return. He also urged people to appeal to their respective governments to ensure the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents studying or working in other states, emphasizing that ordinary Kashmiris are not involved in such acts of violence.
Addressing Pakistan’s role in terror activities, Choudhary urged Islamabad to reflect on why it is consistently implicated in such incidents. “Pakistan will have to understand why the blame is always pointed at it. Why is no other country named in such incidents? Pakistan may deny as much as they want but it is a fact that the roots of terrorism are there,” he added.
