Militarized Amarnath Yatra: A Political Tool Endangering Kashmir’s People and Environment

Amarnath Yatra’s militarization under Modi has intensified Kashmiri suffering and poses ecological threats. India must reform this pilgrimage.

The Amarnath Yatra, once a spiritual journey, has increasingly become a symbol of political dominance. Since Narendra Modi came to power, the Yatra has seen a sharp rise in militarization, turning Kashmir’s serene mountains into a heavily patrolled zone. This shift has stirred not only tension but also environmental concern.

The sharp increase in Hindu pilgrims is no accident. It aligns with the rising tide of Hindutva politics, which has used the Amarnath Yatra as a tool to assert religious and national control over the region. Lakhs of Yatris now travel to the cave shrine each year—numbers that were unheard of before 2014.

Indian authorities claim that the growing military presence is to “protect” the Yatra. In reality, it’s a blanket justification to tighten restrictions across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Roads are blocked, internet is slowed, and local movement is severely restricted. Kashmiris face repeated checking, frisking, and detentions during this period.

The Yatra has turned into an annual ordeal for ordinary Kashmiris. Schools close, businesses suffer, and locals are subjected to military searches. Public spaces are occupied by security forces, creating an atmosphere of fear and inconvenience.

Beyond the political agenda, the Yatra is causing irreversible damage to Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem. Thousands of vehicles, plastic waste, and unregulated footfall are straining the delicate Himalayan environment. Experts warn that this unchecked influx of pilgrims could become an ecological disaster in the near future.

It is imperative that India is held accountable. The Yatra should be shortened, and the number of pilgrims must be strictly regulated. Religious freedom should never come at the cost of local lives and natural heritage. Kashmir’s ecology and people deserve protection, not exploitation.

The Militarized Amarnath Yatra is no longer just a spiritual journey—it’s a political instrument, disrupting daily life and threatening the environment. For the sake of Kashmir’s future, the world must demand that India scales back its militarized approach and restores balance between faith, freedom, and nature.