Multitudes of Hindus complete religious journey amid unrest in Kashmir - Mass numbers of Hindus conclude religious journey amidst the turbulent region of Kashmir
In the heart of the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir, the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine has persisted, despite ongoing security challenges and periodic outbreaks of violence. This sacred journey, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, despite the ever-present risks.
The Amarnath Yatra, a month-long pilgrimage, begins from the picturesque holiday resort of Pahalgam in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. The Amarnath shrine, located at an elevation of nearly 4,000 meters within a cave, houses an ice stalagmite that is revered as a manifestation of the god Shiva.
The region of Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. Both nations claim the territory in its entirety, leading to multiple wars and frequent insurgencies, particularly in the Indian-controlled Kashmir.
A significant incident occurred on April 22, 2025, when militants attacked Hindu tourists near the Amarnath pilgrimage route in Pahalgam, resulting in the loss of 26 lives. India accused Pakistan-backed gunmen of orchestrating the attack, a claim denied by Islamabad. This incident escalated into a four-day military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours, causing more than 70 deaths before a ceasefire was declared on May 10.
Despite these security challenges, the 2025 Amarnath pilgrimage commenced on July 3, with approximately 415,000 pilgrims participating before rain forced an early conclusion. In an effort to ensure safety, Indian authorities deployed 45,000 troops along the narrow mountainous route, supplemented by advanced surveillance technology.
On July 28, Indian forces killed three Pakistani militants linked to the Pahalgam attack during a gun battle near the cave shrine. The militants were reportedly members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistani Islamist group designated as a terrorist organization by the UN.
The fighting between Indian security forces and militants continued even beyond the pilgrimage area, highlighting the ongoing instability in the Kashmir region. The incident on April 22 and the subsequent conflict between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan region have not resulted in a permanent ceasefire.
The Amarnath pilgrimage stands as a testament to deep-rooted religious devotion amidst the geopolitical and communal strife of Kashmir. India continues to safeguard the pilgrimage with a heavy security presence, while Pakistan-backed militancy periodically disrupts it, reflecting the broader conflict over Kashmir's sovereignty between the two countries.
References: 1. The Hindu 2. BBC News 3. CNN
- The geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, as evidenced by the Amarnath pilgrimage and the 2025 attack in Pahalgam, often find a space in the general news and political discussions worldwide.
- Amidst this annual religious pilgrimage, the European Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, highlighting the need for safety measures beyond the realm of religion.
