STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Wishing Shri Amarnathji pilgrims a safe, secured, smooth and blissful Yatra to the revered cave shrine on the Kashmir Himalayas, former minister and senior National Conference leader Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Saturday called for strict adherence to the recommendations of the Nitish Sengupta Commission with regard to safety and security of devotees and the facilitators.
In a statement, the former minister said the safety and security of the Yatris and all those facilitating the pilgrimage enroute the mountainous and difficult terrain is of paramount importance and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration besides Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board should utilize all the resources to ensure regulated and hassle-free yatra.
He said the Constitution of the Nitish Sengupta panel post the most tragic 1996 snow and storm catastrophe, which claimed nearly 250 lives, manifested in drawing a pragmatic roadmap for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage with focus on pilgrim safety.
Eventually, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board was constituted by an Act of legislature during National Conference government in the year 2000 to manage the Yatra. Therefore, learning lessons and utilizing the experiences of the previous pilgrimages, he hoped that all necessary safety protocols are being maintained in the larger interests of the pilgrims and all the stakeholders.
The former minister said though the administration has made elaborate and relentless efforts for the Yatra yet extra caution is required to be taken in view of weather vagaries and the difficult terrain.
These need constant monitoring for improvisation of facilities as may be required from time to time, he added.
Sadhotra described the holy pilgrimage as a shining example of Jammu and Kashmir’s glorious inclusive heritage, saying this is perhaps the only and unique yatra around the world that is performed by the followers of one dharma and facilitated by another religion. It also reflects the deep bonds of brotherhood and amity in the land of Rishis, Sufis and Saints. Amity and secularism is ingrained in the basic character of the people, who are known for their warmth and hospitality towards the pilgrims, he said, wishing this year’s yatra to prove harbinger of peace and tranquility.
Sadhotra urged the administration and the SASB to ensure all comforts in terms of boarding, lodging and other logistical support to the pilgrims right from the advanced base camp of Jammu up to the cave shrine from both the axis of Baltal and Pahalgam axis during the 62-day yatra.
He hailed the people for extending all possible support to the pilgrims thronging from across the country and even abroad in both the regions of Kashmir and Jammu, saying the time-tested hospitality will make the spiritual journey of yatris memorable.
He also lauded the service providers and security personnel for ensuring smooth pilgrimage and called for synergised efforts by various agencies in streamlining and making the yatra successful.