Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 11: Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, in a meeting held at the Raj Bhavan today, reviewed various issues relating to the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
The meeting was attended by B R Sharma, Chief Secretary; K. Rajendra Kumar, DGP; P K Tripathi, Principal Secretary to Governor and CEO, SASB; and R K Goyal, Principal Secretary, Home.
DGP informed the meeting that consequent to the recent law and order incidents, about 23000 pilgrims and tourists who had been stranded, had been enabled to proceed to Jammu, travelling in about 1750 vehicles. Side by side, all those who had to travel by air were also provided the required support.
The Governor was also informed that necessary arrangements are in place at both the Yatra Base Camps as well as at the various camps along the Yatra routes for ensuring the safety and security of those undertaking the Yatra.
Observing that the majority of the pilgrims and tourists come from distant States, the Governor directed the DGP to further strengthen the safety and security arrangements for all visitors to the State. The Governor asked the Chief Secretary to re-iterate instructions to all departments and agencies to maintain sustained effective coordination for the maintenance of public order.
The Governor also advised the Chief Secretary to undertake an urgent review to see that all required arrangements, particularly essential supplies and medical support systems, are in place. Chief Secretary informed that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has, at the Government’s request, issued directions to all the airlines to revalidate the tickets of all the passengers who could not undertake their scheduled journeys due to the situation in the past three days.
The Governor advised Chief Secretary to also take up the matter with General Manager, Northern Railways, to permit revalidation of tickets, provide additional coaches and, as necessary, even run special trains to transport all passengers who could not undertake their scheduled journeys.
The CEO informed the Governor that in the past three days, since July 9, more than 30,000 Yatris had paid obeisance at the Holy Cave and necessary arrangements are in place along the Yatra routes for the continued smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The Governor directed the CEO to re-iterate advise to the pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions issued by the local authorities and not stray away from the secured areas.
CEO stated that 1,27,358 yatris had Darshan of the Ice Lingam at the Holy Cave during July 2 to 10 which included 15,684 on July 9 and 8,611 on July 10. Another 5,906 Yatris paid obeisance at the Shrine today, raising the total so far to 1, 33, 264.
The Governor reiterated his direction to the CEO to maintain sustained contact with the local administration, the State Police and the Camp Directors of all Yatra Camps to see that the maximum possible number of pilgrims were enabled to undertake the pilgrimage.
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