Raja Syed Rather
Tulmulla, Jun 3: Terming large number of devotees attending Mela Kheer Bhawani, here in Central Kashmir an “encouraging sign” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that it’s for the first time since April 22 Pahalgam attack that so many people have gathered at one place in Kashmir.
After paying obeisance at Kheer Bhawani temple, Lt Governor told reporters that devotees have come here in large numbers and it’s an “encouraging sign.”
Welcoming the devotees, the LG assured that the administration has put all the arrangements in place for the mela. “The work on yatri niwas is going on,” he added.
Regarding the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on July 3, Lt Governor confirmed that all preparations for the pilgrimage have been completed. “In terms of security as well, the security arrangements have been done and I appeal to the devotees from across the country to come here and take Baba’s blessings,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the devotees and members of Kashmiri Pandit Community and assured them of due consideration and appropriate redressal of the issues highlighted by them.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; senior officials of the Civil and Police Administration were present on the occasion.
The Kheer Bhawani mela was held at five Ragnya Bhagwati shrines at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Manzgam and Devsar in Kulgam, Logripora in Anantnag and Tikkar in Kupwara on Tuesday. (KNO)
