JAMMU: Even as pilgrims and Dhoti” clad Sadhus have started descending in the City of Temples for undertaking the arduous Amarnath Yatra a cloud of uncertainty cast its shadow on the pilgrimage following a “ban” on the Yatra announced by the Afghan based Harkatul Ansar group.
The outfit, mainly comprising foreign mercenaries and Pakistan trained Kashmiris has threatened to disrupt the Yatra passing through the Anantnag district of the strife torn Kashmir Valley.
Last year also the group had banned the Yatra with the precondition of removing the Border Security Force (BSF) bunkers around the Hazratbal shrine, and the issue was resolved alter much anxiety and hectic negotiations by some human rights’ activists.
However, the Yatra was undertaken last year under tight security with top officials from the Army, BSF, CRPF and the police constantly monitoring the situation.
According to the officials, the ban order appeared in a number of local dailies in Srinagar saying that the outfit had formed “Lashkare Babri” to launch “Operation Yatra Roko” under the command of leader, Sadiq Babbar.
‘The militants, sources said, have also warned the officials of district Anantnag including the deputy commissioner, contractors, laborers and shopkeepers not to be actively involved with any operation related to the Yatra, The preparations of the Yatra, which is scheduled to commence from the Ranbireshwar Temple atJammu, are in full swing and a large number of pilgrims and “Naga Sadhus” have gathered in and around the temple.
Ignoring the ban, the Sadhus are preparing for the “Bhoomi Punjab” function which will start off the ceremonies associated with the conduct of the Yatra.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 14, 1995
