Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 28: Describing the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3, as a “peoples’ yatra,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that every section of society has extended its full support to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted peacefully and successfully.
Chairing a high-level meeting with civil society members, religious leaders, officials, and security agencies at SKICC here, Lt Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a smooth and peaceful the Amarnath Yatra. He acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders and emphasized the critical role of local communities in its success.
The meeting witnessed the participation of several prominent persons, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Principal Secretary to the LG Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, top police officers, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V K Bidhuri and around 77 civil society members.
Expressing his gratitude to the participants LG Sinha said, “I’m thankful to all of you for your presence. For the past few months, we’ve been holding regular meetings to review preparations for the pilgrimage,” he said.
Highlighting the tough terrains and unpredictable weather that accompany the pilgrimage, LG Sinha said, “Our collective aim is to make this Yatra as smooth and successful as possible.” He commended the relentless efforts of stakeholders over the years and said their dedication continues to be the backbone of the Yatra’s success.
“Preparations have been underway for several months now. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure comfort, safety, and support for pilgrims from across the country,” he added.
In a powerful message of harmony, the Lieutenant Governor invoked a Kashmiri saying, “Khudai Chu Ekh, Naav Chis Setha” — “There is only one God with many names,” underlining that the Yatra is not just a religious journey but a symbol of unity and shared values.
“The people of Kashmir have always been associated with this pilgrimage. Their involvement is not just vital for logistics but also for trust and security,” Sinha said, asserting that local support remains pivotal in facilitating the Yatra.
Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, LG Sinha called it an attack on Kashmir’s soul. “What happened in Pahalgam and how people spontaneously came out in protest — I have not seen anything like this in my five years as Lieutenant Governor,” he said.
He said that the attack was a desperate attempt by Pakistan-backed forces to create discord, but the people of Kashmir responded with unity and dignity, drawing praise from across the country.
“This attack has placed Kashmir under national and international scrutiny. Our responsibility has become even greater now,” he said, echoing sentiments expressed earlier by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
Sinha acknowledged that the Pahalgam attack initially caused apprehension among devotees, leading to a 10.19% drop in Yatra registrations compared to the previous year, when over 5.12 lakh pilgrims participated.
However, the administration reached out to early registrants, and “around 85% of the devotees said they will not change their plans and will go ahead with the Yatra,” the LG revealed. “With each passing day, the number is increasing.”
“More than the administration, it is the responsibility of the people to make this Yatra successful,” Sinha stated. He assured that all issues related to locals will be addressed promptly.
Security arrangements have been strengthened, and civil society members present in the meeting pledged their full support, describing the Yatra as “the people’s Yatra.”
Though some religious leaders expressed their desire to formally welcome devotees, Sinha clarified that while such gatherings would not be possible officially, individuals were free to meet pilgrims in their personal capacity.
Sinha affirmed, “Peace is a prerequisite for development. How the people of Jammu and Kashmir are standing up against terrorism shows their determination for a better future.” (KNO)
