There is no doubt in the fact that several anti-national and anti-social elements are posing a threat to the smooth conduct of the ensuing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, and the security forces including the local police are on toes to counter any such attempt.
Going by the increasing threat perception, it has become imperative that the security forces and the intelligence agencies should come up with a multipronged strategy to overcome challenges from outside forces and the ones from within. The latest incident leading to registration of an FIR by the Police against unscrupulous elements spreading bogus reports about terrorist attacks in Baramulla and alleged cancellation of Amarnath Yatra is a live example that ensuring an incident free Yatra this time will be one of the most challenging tasks for the people sitting at the helm. The issue is crucial as such attempts not only create chaos in the society but can also lead to fear and panic among the devotees besides disrupting public order.
It is good that police has taken cognizance and started investigations in the matter to identify the anti-social elements behind this conspiracy but what is more important is to stop unscrupulous elements from giving shapes to such nefarious designs having potential to disrupt peace and the annual Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani in south Kashmir Himalayas. Shri Amarnath Yatra is a spiritual odyssey to attain spiritual enlightenment through devotion and perseverance, and such deliberate disruptions can create distasteful situations for the pilgrims and can disturb the tranquility as well.
Taking a strong stance against the people behind such ploys is the need of the hour. Such incidents can create public disorder and dissuade people from undertaking the blissful journey to sacred shrine, which is not acceptable and therefore it is imperative for the administration to tackle such wrongful elements with iron hands and thwart any such attempt in the future. Such attempts are dangerous especially during the significant events like the Amarnath Yatra, when maintaining peace is of immense importance.
Like in the past, the people should repose faith in the authorities regarding failsafe security Bandobast but it is also important that they share the responsibility of verifying information before forwarding it on the social media because by not checking the veracity of content, the people can become the tools of the anti-national elements in spreading the narratives crafted for disrupting peace. All said and done, relying on government and police sources is essential to prevent rumours from gaining credibility.
