Srinagar, Jun 28 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the annual Amarnath Yatra is truly a peoples’ yatra as every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is a key stakeholder of the holy pilgrimage.
Sinha appealed to the stakeholders to make the yatra a vibrant celebration of spirituality, unity and communal harmony.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra stands as a powerful symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s glorious past and its promising future. It is truly a peoples’ yatra. Every citizen is a key stakeholder of this holy pilgrimage which also holds profound socio-economic, spiritual, and cultural significance for every section of society,’ he said.
Ahead of the annual Amaranth Yatra starting on July 3, the lieutenant governor interacted with various stakeholders here to discuss arrangements for smooth pilgrimage.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was present at the interaction at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here in which members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, members of business and trade associations, and MLAs also participated.
“I appeal to the civil society members, elected public representatives, religious, trade and business organizations to make this pilgrimage a vibrant celebration of spirituality, unity, love and communal harmony,” Sinha said.
The lieutenant governor welcomed the suggestions from various sections of the society and sought their active participation and cooperation in smooth conduct of the holy pilgrimage.
He said the peaceful conduct of this holy yatra will send a strong message that the people of Jammu Kashmir stand united.
“Spiritual leaders, civil society members, public representatives, trade and business fraternity are respected members of J&K family and are carrying forward this thousands-of-years-old spiritual tradition with complete devotion. This year too, maintaining social harmony and social unity and ensuring peaceful and successful conduct of the holy pilgrimage is your responsibility,” he said.
Sinha highlighted the key initiatives by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, administration, J&K Police, security forces and other stakeholders for enhancing the pilgrim-centric facilities and making the yatra more secure and safer for the pilgrims.
The lieutenant governor also urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoys.
“I have made an on-ground assessment of the facilities on the yatra tracks which were recently developed for the convenience of pilgrims. The number of pilgrims’ registration have been increasing continuously and I am confident that the large number of devotees will visit the holy cave to pay their obeisance to Baba Barfani,” he said.
Sinha said Jammu Kashmir and its people have always rejected distinctions between sects and religions, consistently extending respect and acceptance to every faith and its unique forms of worship.
“With this very spirit, let us welcome the lakhs of devotees arriving for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra and, through our collective efforts, ensure a successful, peaceful and hassle-free pilgrimage for all the devotees,” he added.
The lieutenant governor said the administration has made preparations, including security-related, for comfort of the visiting pilgrims.
“Despite challenging weather conditions and tough terrain, efforts have been made to ensure better facilities for the pilgrims. Many of you are aware of this. Significant improvements have taken place,” said Sinha in his address.
“I also know that people from Jammu and Kashmir, especially those involved in this yatra, have served with dedication and will continue to do so,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured of all possible support to make the yatra a success.
“I had invited all the senior leaders and representatives of the political parties to the Raj Bhavan and requested them to make the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram successful. They assured me of support for both the yatra as well as Muharram,” said Sinha.
“The members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, office bearers of business and trade associations, and MLAs, were here for consultations today. Senior officers were also present. We have been doing this endeavour for the last four years,” he added.
The lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured him that the yatra belongs more to people than the administration and shrine board, and all will provide their support to make the yatra successful.
“I hope that with the blessings of Baba Amarnath, the yatra will be successful,” he added.
(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)
