New Delhi, Aug 1, KNT: Former interlocutor and ex-Chief Information Commissioner M.M. Ansari Friday voiced concern over the controversy surrounding the proposed Kounsarnag Yatra through South Kashmir, terming the move an attempt by vested interests to disturb peace and law and order in the Valley.
Ansari appealed to the state government to permit the pilgrimage only through its traditional route in Reasi district and avoid decisions that could trigger tension.
“All those elements who are hell-bent to conduct the proposed Kounsarnag yatra from South Kashmir route are enemies of peace,” Ansari said.
He said Kashmir was gradually moving toward normalcy and warned that initiating the pilgrimage through South Kashmir could have serious consequences and complicate efforts aimed at maintaining communal harmony.
“At a time when Kashmir is limping back towards normalcy, the starting of this yatra will have serious repercussions and may prove a major bottleneck in the efforts of creating and maintaining communal harmony and amity between different sections of people,” he said.
Ansari urged the government to consult all stakeholders before taking any decision on the matter.
The former Chief Information Commissioner alleged that attempts to hold the pilgrimage through South Kashmir were aimed at communalizing politics in the state.
Describing Kounsarnag as a climatically fragile area, Ansari also raised environmental concerns linked to the proposed pilgrimage.
“The Kounsarnag is a freshwater spring located in the climatically fragile environs of Kashmir Valley. At a time when much is being said and written about environmental hazards, the influx of humans to Kounsarnag will prove disastrous,” he said.
However, Ansari said the area could contribute positively to the state’s economy if developed as a tourist destination with proper planning and safeguards.
He further warned that the issue could escalate into a larger controversy if authorities permitted the yatra through South Kashmir, noting that separatist groups had already issued protest and shutdown calls over the matter.
“State government must act promptly and should take a pro-people decision,” Ansari said.
The Kounsarnag pilgrimage issue has emerged as a politically and socially sensitive debate, drawing divergent responses from religious groups, civil society and political voices over route, security and environmental concerns. [KNT]
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