Amarnath Yatra strengthens our faith in goodness of mankind: LG

Lt Governor flags off the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Pilgrims

30/06/2022

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Jun 29: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the annual Amarnath Yatra strengthens the faith in the goodness of mankind and its successful conduct is the duty or every citizen of the Union Territory.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today flagged off the first batch of pilgrims, as they set off to Shri Amarnath Ji Cave Shrine from Jammu base camp amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
The Lt Governor prayed for the peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for pilgrims on the occasion.
Marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, the first batch of 4,890 Yatris was flagged off at around 4 in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar- base camp for Kashmir Valley in a cavalcade of 176 light and heavy vehicles.
Pertinently, the annual Amarnath Ji Yatra is being organized after a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic and extensive arrangements have been made by the UT administration for the smooth conduct of the same.
Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation, Sh Chander Mohan Gupta; Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta; prominent political and religious leaders and senior officers of UT administration including ADGP Jammu, Sh Mukesh Singh; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sh Ramesh Kumar; DC Jammu, Ms Avny Lavasa; Commissioner JMC, Sh Rahul Yadav, besides others were present at the occasion.
He said this at a meeting with leaders of political parties here.
Many generations here have assisted in this spiritual journey and Darshan of Shri Amarnath ji. Apart from having a spiritual significance, integral part of lifetime, the pilgrimage also gives J&K opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, said the Lt Governor
There is tremendous enthusiasm among devotees and people of J&K for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra beginning tomorrow and everyone is contributing to make this sacred pilgrimage successful, he added.
For many centuries, Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage is strengthening the bond of brotherhood & social unity, besides having a greater impact on the J&K's economy, observed the Lt Governor
Government is making efforts to provide best possible facilities to the Yatris, however such holy occasion may not be complete without the wholehearted participation of the civil society. I have full faith that the devotees of Shri Amarnathji will return with God's blessings and everlasting memories of warm hospitality of the 1.25 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor said.
There are many families in J&K who had to face financial hardship since Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra could not be held for the last two years due to Covid pandemic. Now, it has become our collective responsibility to make this yatra a success which will also serve as a great opportunity for lakhs to generate livelihood, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor also asked the stakeholders to dedicate themselves to serve the pilgrims and cement the bond between people.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the gesture of the Civil Society members to organize a programme to welcome the pilgrims of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He also highlighted the development taking place in the UT in terms of connectivity, tourism, livelihood generation of the locals etc.
Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, said that the people of Kashmir always have a strong connect with Shri Amarnath ji Yatra and considered it as their responsibility to ensure comfortable stay of the pilgrims in the valley during their yatra.
Civil Society representatives including Sh Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and Sh Bashir Ahmad Rather also spoke on the occasion and assured full cooperation and support from the members of the civil society to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.
Sh Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; members of Civil Society and PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industries, besides prominent citizens in large numbers were present on the occasion.

"The Amarnath Yatra is a reflection of our composite culture and people belonging to all the faiths are contributing to make it successful. The pilgrimage strengthens our faith in the goodness of mankind and its successful conduct is the responsibility of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir," Sinha said.
All the leaders at the meeting observed that the pilgrimage is like a big festival and a celebration of "Kashmiriyat", and said every citizen of the Union Territory will ensure warm hospitality and comfort of the pilgrims, according to an official spokesperson.
The leaders appealed to people for their continuous support and assistance in the conduct of the yatra, which is the pride of Jammu and Kashmir and a reflection of unity in diversity, the spokesperson said.
They also observed that the annual pilgrimage is crucial to Jammu and Kashmir's economy and a livelihood source for a large number of locals.
Sinha apprised the meeting of the arrangements put in place for the yatra, besides the special places identified at all yatra camps for selling local products, including the famous art and handicraft of Jammu and Kashmir.
All the leaders of the prominent political parties of the Union Territory put forth their views and suggestions for a smooth and successful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.
The LG said a similar meeting would be held after 10 days of the pilgrimage.
The leaders who participated in the meeting included National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Muzzafar Shah, Altaf Bukhari, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president G A Mir, BJP chief for Jammu and Kashmir Ravinder Raina, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and G M Shaheen.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti did not attend the meeting.

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