Kashmiri Muslims extend warm welcome to Amarnath pilgrims, upholding tradition of communal harmony
Srinagar: As the annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Thursday amid heightened security measures, Kashmiri Muslims reaffirmed the Valley’s enduring legacy of communal harmony by warmly welcoming Hindu pilgrims undertaking the spiritual journey.
The 38-day pilgrimage began simultaneously from the twin base camps at Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in Sonamarg. While the yatra is a religious undertaking for thousands of Hindu devotees, the event once again became a symbol of interfaith unity, with local Muslims lining the route to greet the yatris.
From the moment pilgrims entered the Valley, they were met with scenes of generosity and camaraderie. At the Nayvug tunnel near Qazigund along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, local youth, students, and civil society volunteers gathered early in the morning to distribute drinking water and snacks, as reported by Deccan Herald.
Villagers also showered pilgrims with flower petals and offered ‘Izzbandh’, a traditional Kashmiri incense used to ward off evil. Women along the roadside offered kehwa—Kashmir’s signature saffron tea—and dried fruits.
“This is our tradition. We see them not as outsiders, but as our guests,” DH quoted 62-year-old Ghulam Ahmad from Anantnag, who had set up a water station outside his home. “They come here with devotion and faith, and we must ensure they feel welcome and safe,” he added.
Imtiyaz Ahmad, a Srinagar resident who brought his children to greet the pilgrims, echoed similar sentiments: “This is a beautiful moment of unity. We want our visitors to feel safe and loved here in our land.”
While the yatra continues under tight security to prevent any potential threats, the on-ground atmosphere remained calm and celebratory. Neelam Sharma, a first-time pilgrim from Delhi, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality. “We had heard of Kashmir’s beauty, but we are truly moved by the warmth of its people. The love and care we’ve received is unforgettable,” DH quoted Sharma as saying.
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Riyan Parag likely to be fined 25 percent of match fees for vaping inside dressing room
New Delhi (PTI): Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is set to be fined 25 per cent of his match fee for bringing the game into "disrepute" after being caught vaping on camera during the IPL game against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Parag's actions during the Royals' chase on Tuesday night drew condemnation on social media.
PTI has learned that on field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon had not reported the matter to match referee Amit Sharma right after the game. They only did that after seeing visual proof and Sharma found Parag guilty for a code of conduct breach as per the IPL guidelines.
The Level 1 offences carries 25 per cent deduction from match fees and one demerit point.
"He is set to be fined a portion of his match fees and a demerit point for a Level 1 offence," said an IPL source.
The Indian government had banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale and distribution. As per the law, the offender faces imprisonment up to one year and/or a Rs one lakh fine for a first time offence.
"Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct, including Article 2.20," the IPL Code of Conduct states.
"By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.
"When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered.
"Further, the person lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence)."
Since it is a Level 1 offence there was no need for a hearing.
Parag, who has not had the best of times with the bat this IPL, was seen inhaling an e-cigarette, also known as vaping, in the dressing room during the live broadcast of their game against Punjab Kings. Royals won the game to end Kings' unbeaten run in the tournament.
This is not the first controversy to hit the Royals this season. Earlier this month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs one lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being found using his phone in the dugout.
IPL and BCCI officials involved in the conduct of the IPL termed it as a careless act in the age of social media and prying TV cameras.
Royals next host Delhi Capitals at home on Friday night.
