Mohd. Asraf Khatana comes from Rajouri every year to carry pilgrims on the horse ride trek to Amarnath cave in Jammu & Kashmir. I have been riding horses since 2005. Things have improved significantly here since 2005. The path that existed earlier was not fit for people to walk on. Palkiwala Kulbir Singh from district Ramban comes regularly to Amarnath for work. My work is going well; I’m earning four to five thousand a day. This custom has been going on for centuries: non-Muslims come here to pay their respects, and Muslims assist them. The horse handlers are Muslims, and the porters are Muslims too. Kulbir Palkiwala said that for the past 10-12 years now he has been coming to Amarnath for work. After the floods, the crowd had reduced a bit but now a good crowd can be seen, he said. The most significant facility they have introduced for horse and pony handlers and porters is the slip system; this ensures that neither the pilgrims nor the handlers and porters are subjected to exploitation., said Mohd. Asraf Khatana This ensures that the horse handler or porter cannot charge extra money; the service operates at a fixed price. You should all come here and see the valleys of Kashmir; they are beautiful. Apart from Amarnath, take a look at the other side of Kashmir too—it is wonderful. It’s hot everywhere else, but here it’s cool and peaceful—it’s really enjoyable here. That is why I tell all travelers: come here, take a look, and enjoy yourselves to the fullest, added tthe Palkiwala.
