Yatris never harmed in Kashmir, says business community

By Mudassir Kuloo

SRINAGAR: Amid reports of threat to pilgrims, the Valley’s business community said yatris have been treated as “guests” by Kashmiris and “never harmed”.
They endorsed the statement of Hizbul Mujahideen operational chief Riyaz Naikoo statement, a day after he said that militants have never targeted Amarnath yatra neither planning for it.
These statements have come at a time when a section of national media has projected that yatra was under threat and security has been tightened to foil any attack.
Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chief Mohammad Yaseen Khan said that Amarnath yatra was never under any threat in Kashmir.
“There are some vested interests, who project that yatra is under threat,” Khan said.
Welcoming the statement of Naikoo, President Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF), Wahid Malik said that it would clear apprehensions to yatris that Kashmir is safe place for them.
“A lot of damage has already been done in the state. Yatris have never been targeted as projected by some people. They should feel secure here,” Malik said.
President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Javed Ahmad Tenga said that Kashmiris have always welcome yatris.
“It is our duty to safeguard them, which we have been practicing for the last so many years.”
President of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Ashfaq Siddiq Dugg, said that yatra was a religious obligation for Hindus. “There are some vested interests who want to see Kashmir on boil to serve their interests. Pilgrims should not trust on national media but come here and see the situation,” Dugg said, who is hopeful that yatras won’t face any trouble in the Valley.
Endorsing the views of Dugg, General Secretary, (TAAK) Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo said that some national media channels have launched campaign that affect our economy.
“There are some politicians said that tourists should not buy anything here to enforce and economic blockade,” he said.
The Hizb commander has also said, “We are not at war with yatris. We are at war with those, who are suppressing the people of Kashmir”.
Meanwhile, security agencies have made tight arrangements for the annual Amarnath yatra, which commences from Thursday, in view of the last year’s attack in south Kashmir in which eight pilgrims were killed and about 19 others injured.
A posse of over 40,000 armed CRPF and state police personnel patrolled the yatra routes with their overwhelming presence in armoured vehicles.