The revival of the Chota Amarnath Yatra in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district has rekindled hope among the displaced Muslim-majority residents of Shamthan village.
Shamthan, a village located in close proximity to Chota Amarnath in the Arin forests of Bandipora, witnessed an exodus in the early 1990s due to the severe impact of terrorism.
Forced to leave their homes, these Muslim-majority villagers sought temporary refuge in Dardpora village, just a short distance away.
With the resurrection of the Chota Amarnath Yatra after decades, these dislocated Muslim-majority locals aspire to return to their native homes.
A resident, while recalling their participation in the Chota Amarnath Yatra of yesteryears, told *Rising Kashmir* that the revival of the Chota Amarnath Yatra has ignited a flicker of hope within them.
“We deeply desire to return to our homeland. The resurgence of this sacred journey has reignited our hopes and evoked poignant memories of the times we hold dear,” he said with heartfelt longing.
However, they face critical challenges, including the lack of essential amenities such as water, healthcare, electricity, and a road network as the village has been a deserted area for decades.
“Our village holds our memories, and this Yatra reminds us of the life we used to have. We are eager to return, but we need the government’s support to rebuild our lives here,” Mohd Yousuf, another local told Rising Kashmir.
Gh Mohiuddin, District Development Council of Arin Constituency, told *Rising Kashmir* that plans including the provision of water supply and electricity are on cards which will be followed by road development, healthcare, and education facilities for the returning Muslim-majority villagers.
