Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 27: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that Amarnath Yatra’s success is the responsibility of all, regardless of which-ever section of society they belong to or which-ever region they hail from. He said, while on the one hand, Amarnath pilgrimage is a matter of faith, on the other hand, for centuries together, both the Hindus and the Muslims in Kashmir valley have jointly contributed to facilitate the successful conduct of the Yatra and the revenue generated from the pilgrims has enriched the people of all the three regions of the State.
Speaking to a delegation of “Shri Amarnath Yatra Langar Association”, who wanted his intervention with “Shri Amarnath Shrine Board” (SASB) for smooth arrangements for the pilgrims, Dr Jitendra Singh hoped that all the organs of government as well as all the social and voluntary organizations, both in Jammu as well as in Kashmir valley, will set an example through a peaceful amicable conduct of Yatra, which is scheduled to begin next month. He said, it is a matter of pride that Amarnath Yatra attracts devotees from all parts of India and abroad who, in turn, go back as messengers and ambassadors to tell the story of Kashmir’s rich heritage and traditional culture to the rest of the world.
Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that a high level security meeting was convened in the union capital last week, in which senior officers of J&K Government including the State Chief Secretary and Director General of Police participated. While the Centre has assured of all possible and required assistance for safe, secure and successful conduct of Yatra, the State Administration is also confident of making all the necessary arrangements on time, he added.
Meanwhile, the members of “Shri Amarnath Yatra Langar Association” handed over a memorandum to Dr Jitendra Singh wherein they sought his intervention for better care of basic amenities like drinking water, light system, shelters, washrooms for pilgrims, medical aid, free Langar for Ponywalahs, etc. They also sought the Governor’s indulgence to grant them permission / NOC (No Objection Certificate) from SASB so that they can provide free service and free facility in the form of food, night stay, etc. The delegation was led, among others, by Om Prakash Sharma, Mukesh Garg, Lakshman Singh and Vijay Arora.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured the delegation that he would forward their memorandum and requisition to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of SASB with an advice to accommodate their suggestions and inputs, as far as possible.
As the date of Yatra draws closer, Dr Jitendra Singh hoped that all the communities will together seek to create an atmosphere of reassurance, so that more and more number of pilgrims feel encouraged to undertake the Amarnath Yatra and visit the Kashmir valley without any fear or apprehension. However, he also appealed to the prospective pilgrims, who are planning to undertake the Yatra, to strictly adhere to the rules of health check-up and medical precautions, as prescribed.
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