Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmiris Are Reclaiming Their Space

‘Kashmiris Are Reclaiming Their Space Across The State’

By LokMarg

Ajay Pandita, a Kashmiri who lives in Gurugram, has been happy to see positive changes coming to his home-state after abrogation of Article 370. His views

I belong to a small and remote village in Baramulla district of Kashmir. A couple of months back, I visited my native place and was pleased to see that a metaled road lead to my village. Not only my village, but most of the villages that I visited with my friends during my stay of over 25 days presented the same picture. Residents told me rural roads were being laid out on a war footing under Gram Sadak Yojna.

Next, I visited Kashmir during the time when the G20 summit was being held in Srinagar. I was happy to see a thriving Srinagar and adjoining areas teeming with tourists. This had a cascading effect on the sales of Kashmiri handcraft, traditional farm products and hospitality-lined sectors. Besides the better roads and other infrastructure, I was happy to seek Kashmir people’s participation in this ‘new Kashmir’.

I seriously felt that Kashmir was returning to its real self, one that it was before the tumultuous 1980s. Children were joyfully going to schools, shops were keeping open till late, there have been no bandh calls, cinema halls are running to packed houses and late evening strolls around Lal Chowk are becoming commonplace. In short, Kashmiri people are reclaiming their public space.

I noticed that Jammu-Kashmir was passing through a remarkable economic transformation, with significant growth and positive outcomes seen in the business environment and every other aspect of the native life. The lifting of Article 370 has not only reduced barriers to investment in the region but has attracted both domestic and foreign investors, resulting in substantial capital inflows across various sectors.

Pandita paying obeisance to Goddess Sharada

Though I was not a part of the celebrations on the Independence Day at Lal Chowk this year, my friends and relatives have shared many images of the event via messaging apps. I am happy to see the Chowk’s glory and magnificence not just returning to its past but actually getting better and more outstanding now.

ALSO READ: ‘Netas Run Their Shops, Kashmiris Want To Run Theirs’

I have little doubt in my mind that this has been made possible with the abrogation of Article 370 and my home-state is slowly and surely regaining its lost stature, charm, culture, and everything else lost to the several decades of violence.

There has also been a drastic change in people’s mind-set post-2019 and the surge in social media is one of the major factors that accounted for it. Young boys and girls are sharing their stories and scenes from downtown Srinagar and adjoining parts to convey the change. The Kashmiri youth have also realised the evil plans of Pakistan and can be seen actively confronting their narrative on social media sites. This has proved to be the last nail in the coffin of anti-nationals who always found faults in New Delhi decisions.

Here, I would also like to mention that most Kashmiri Pandits are grateful to filmmaker Atul Agnihotri who made The Kashmir Files andpresented our story to masses. It not only exposed the ‘sinners’ and uncovered the reality of what the beautiful place and its people faced because of the policies of a few families in power (I do not wish to even take their names).

We, as Kashmiri natives, just hope and pray that things get better with the passage of time and our coming generations should never see what our parents and forefathers have seen and lived.

(The narrator is a civil engineer by profession, currently working employed with Ansal Group as vice president)

As told to Rajat Rai

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Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Over 300 Films Shot In J&K Lately: L-G Sinha

By LokMarg

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said he was quite happy to film shootings return to Kashmir in a big way, adding that it would further contribute to the economic upturn in the Union Territory.

On Friday, Sinha inaugurated the first-day shoot of the TV Serial ‘Pashminna’ at the Zero Bridge here.

Speaking to media gathered at the shoot location, Sinha shared how the UT was witnessing a revival of film tourism.

“J&K is once again becoming the preferred destination for the film industry. The era of 1980 when Hollywood and Bollywood films were shot in Kashmir is returning. The revival of film tourism will strengthen the economy and provide employment opportunities to locals. Over 300 movies have been filmed in Jammu and Kashmir lately,” Sinha said.

Kashmir was home to the film industry mainly between 1960 and 1980s. Hit films like ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, ‘Kabhi Kabhie’, ‘Silsila’ and ‘Betaab’ among others were shot in the Valley.

However, due to the threat of militant attacks in 1989, when insurgency broke out in the Valley, cinema halls were shut down and film shootings came to a complete halt. (ANI)

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LOC Army

J&K: Army Dedicates 115-Feet Long Bridge To Locals Of Last village On LoC

By LokMarg

On the 77th Independence Day, the Indian Army on Tuesday dedicated a bridge to locals of Danna, the last village on the Line of Control in Machhal Sector across Machhal Nala in Jammu and Kashmir, informed the Public Relations Officer, Defence, Srinagar.

The 115feet long bridge has been named Bhagat Bridge in memory of the Late Major Bhagat Singh, Veer Chakra, who laid down his life defending this sector in the 1965 war.

Danna Village is also known as Bhagat Village in memory of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the bridge’s official opening for use by the villagers. The ribbon was cut by Sep Mian Gul Khan, a ninety-year-old 1971 war veteran and a proud resident of the area, in the presence of Indian Army persons and other local dignitaries.

The bridge was raised through the painstaking efforts of Indian Army engineers, who toiled for two months in spite of incessant rains and adverse conditions to provide a measure of respite for locals long plagued by issues arising out of a lack of motorable roads and a bridge across Machhal Nala.

The bridge is a testament to the Army’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, be it defending the borders or supporting them towards building a prosperous and peaceful Kashmir, the statement by the PRO added.

The dedication event was attended by children, women, and elders of seven villages who got benefitted from the construction of the bridge. The locals thanked the Army for providing them with a piece of infrastructure that would enable them to send their children to school and facilitate the movements with the sick and the elderly. They also hoped that this will bring tourists to their area, the statement added.

“As the nation is celebrating its 77th Independence Day, the inauguration of the bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. It also reaffirms the Army’s dedication to fostering strong bonds with local communities and dedicatedly contributing towards their welfare,” the statement added. (ANI)

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abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 (A) Jammu and Kashmir

Tide Turns After Abrogation Of Article 370, J-K Progresses By Leaps And Bounds 

By LokMarg

After the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 (A) on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented development and transformed into a peaceful and thriving society.

The Centre abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 on August 5, 2019, soon after the second term of the PM Modi-led government began.

Meanwhile, after the abrogation Jammu and Kashmir ushered into inclusive development in tourism, agriculture sector and other sectors.

In the past few years, the government has developed new tourist destinations, heritage/cultural sites, Sufism/religious sites and adventure treks/sites attracting potential for all four seasons in the areas of nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage and sports.

More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure (water sports, rafting, rock climbing, snow parks) and entertainment are being explored to attract more tourists.

Known for its tourism industry, Kashmir received a boom after the mega G20 countries meet on tourism was held on May 22-24 this year. The meeting caught the attention of international media with many of them highlighting India’s efforts for the restoration of stability and normalcy in Kashmir.

The removal of Article 370, 35 A, certainly helped in stabilizing the economy and protecting it from militant and separatist groups, thus allowing the region to draw in more investments. Jammu and Kashmir received 1.88 crore tourists in 2022, but it is expected to reach two crore mark this year, according to official data.

Special attention to youth has been given who deviated from their aims and objectives in life due to the influence of militancy. Officially, about 2.3 lakh young boys and girls were employed in 51004 units established under various Self-employment Schemes (SESs) up to January 2023.

Around 70,000 youth have been provided with livelihood generation means, directly or indirectly, by taking various initiatives under Mission Youth (MUMKIN, TEJASWANI AND PARVAZ). 78 new job-oriented trades have been introduced including heritage crops.

In Kashmir, boys and girls are more inclined to sports activities in all weather. According to the J-K administration, more than 50,000 young boys and girls have been engaged in sports and recreational initiatives.

In 5000 youth clubs constituted 1 Lakh active youth members. Noticeably, over 55 lakh youth participated in different sports activities during the year 2022-23. The public in general and youth, in particular, felt a sigh of relief when the

The government recently decided not to issue Indian passports to those indulging in subversive and anti-India activities including stone pelting. The Criminal Investigation Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an order on July 31, 2023.

Moreover, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir expressed his satisfaction with the region’s transformation into a peaceful and thriving society.

“Today, every citizen of J-K is living in peace,” Lieutenant Governor Sinha said.

He pointed out the end of street protests, the closure of educational institutions for extended periods, stone pelting, and separatist tendencies that plagued the region in the past.

The state is now witnessing a more harmonious and united community, with people confidently engaging in various activities without fear or unrest.

Lt Governor particularly emphasized the newfound freedom enjoyed by the youth. “Youth have got wings to fly on their choicest routes,” he remarked.

Gone are the days when young people had to rush home after sunset. Now, the vibrant streets of Jammu and Kashmir see youths strolling around, with some even strumming their guitars or spending quality time on the picturesque riverfront.

The abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the formation of two Union Territories—Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir—has been a turning point in the region’s history.

The move not only brought stability and peace but also opened doors to new opportunities for the youth. Under the “Mission Youth,” the J-K administration has collaborated with the Mumbai Stock Exchange, providing a plethora of avenues for young talents to shine in various fields.

“We have provided an ample platform to youth to showcase their talent and excel in various fields,” said Lieutenant Governor Sinha.”

The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged that the journey towards progress and peace had its challenges, with Pakistan-backed propaganda attempts failing to disrupt the region’s newfound harmony.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the Union Territory will play a crucial role in Amrit Kaal.

“In the third term of PM Modi’s government, Jammu and Kashmir will play a crucial role in Amrit Kaal,” he said.

He also said that god wanted that “this auspicious work” to be done during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.

“I think that god wanted that PM Modi should be the Prime Minister of the country and this auspicious work should be done by his hands. Many articles, and comments are being made today, but in a very planned manner, the PM Modi-led government has worked to establish a system in Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh said, adding that in the first 5 years from 2014-19, PM Modi gave highest priority to J-K and northeast.

“While PM Modi has toured the northeast nearly 60 times, he has also paid a visit to J-K every two months, including the far-flung areas of Kishtwar, and Ladakh’s Leh,” the Union Minister said.

He said that the decision of abrogating Article 370, during the beginning of the second term of PM Modi’s government, gave an outlet to the aspirations of J-K’s youth.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter to post his congratulations on the completion of four years of the revocation of Article 370 and 35-A in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Congratulations to all on the completion of 4 years of the abolition of Article 370 and 35-A, which have been the father and nurturer of separatism, terrorism, familism and misrule in Jammu and Kashmir for decades and have been a blot on our national unity and integrity!” Yogi tweeted in Hindi.

The chief minister further praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“With this historic work done under the successful leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Mr Modi, the resolution of ‘One Country-One Mark-One Legislation’ was fulfilled, on the other hand, joining with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas-Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas’, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh regions are touching new heights of development today,” Adityanath posted.

“Today, these areas are providing more powerful and new dimensions to the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat,” the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

Moreover, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that ‘Ek Samvidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan’ was fully implemented on August 5, 2019.

“It is a historic day. On 5th August 2019, ‘Ek Samvidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan’ was fully implemented,” CM Dhami said.

The Centre abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 on August 5, 2019, soon after the second term of the PM Modi-led government began.”Its credit goes to PM Modi. Under his leadership, Article 370 was abrogated and a new chapter of the country began. People had been waiting for this chapter since independence,” CM added.

He further expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “I express gratitude to the PM that under his leadership, the country truly became one from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

Meanwhile, Former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said that she has been put under “house arrest” along with other senior party leaders of Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to Twitter, the PDP leader said that the Centre’s claims about normalcy in the Union Territory “stand exposed.”

“I’ve been put under house arrest along with other senior PDP leaders today. This comes after a midnight crackdown where scores of my party men are illegally detained in police stations. GOIs false claims about normalcy to the SC stand exposed by their actions driven by paranoia,” Mufti said.

“On one hand, giant hoardings calling upon Kashmiris to ‘celebrate’ the illegal abrogation of Article 370 have been put up across Srinagar. Whereas brute force is being used to choke the actual sentiment of the people. Hope the Hon’ble SC takes cognisance of these developments at a time when Article 370 has come up for hearing,” she added.

Furthermore, All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi said that why there is no uproar in the country when soldiers are being killed in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Three soldiers were killed in South Kashmir why there is no uproar in the country? Because there BJP-led government and Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister? …Three of our soldiers were killed by terrorists who came from Pakistan and you will play a World Cup match with them (Pakistan)?…” AIMIM chief said when asked about four years of abrogation of Article 370 in J-K.

“According to media reports 251 terrorist incidents happened in Jammu and Kashmir from Jan 2021 till May 2023. 100 incidents took place alone in the valley. What is happening? Before this in 2021 August or September 5 soldiers were killed in the forest again three soldiers were killed and we are going to play the match at Narendra Modi stadium,” he said.

Meanwhile, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court had on Wednesday began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Constitution bench comprises Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya.

How can a provision (Article 370), which was specifically mentioned as a temporary provision in the Constitution, become permanent after the tenure of the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly came to an end in 1957, asked the bench.

The bench contended that the Parliament could not have declared itself to be the legislature of Jammu and Kashmir in order to facilitate the abrogation of Article 370 as Article 354 of the Constitution does not authorise such an exercise of power. (ANI)

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abrogation of Article 370

29,295 Vacancies Filled In J-K After Abrogation Of Article 370

By LokMarg

A total of 29,295 vacancies were filled in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile state, the Central told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the input in a written reply to a member.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has carried out several governance reforms, including in the area of recruitment in Government. After the abrogation of Article 370, a large-scale recruitment drive has been carried out and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has filled 29,295 vacancies,” said Rai, adding that recruiting agencies have advertised 7,924 vacancies and examinations in respect of 2,504 vacancies have been conducted.

He said that the identification of vacancies in the Government and recruitment is a continuous and ongoing process.

“The same is taken up under accelerated recruitment drive,” the minister added.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken various initiatives to bring down unemployment by implementing various self-employment schemes through different departments by providing subsidized loans for the establishment of their own sustainable income generation units, the MoS further said.

He further said that a number of self-employment schemes like Mission Youth, Rural Livelihood Mission, Himayat, PMEGP, Avsar, and Tejaswani are being implemented for providing employment opportunities.

“From the results of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), estimates of the unemployment rate are not available specifically for the educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir for the period April-June 2021,” Rai added.

However, the Minister said, from the PLFS conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) during July 2020-June 2021, an estimate of the unemployment rate according to the usual status among the persons of age group 15-29 years for Jammu and Kashmir was 18.3 percent. (ANI)

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J&K Terrorists

J-K: Two IEDs Recovered From Wodhpura Forest

By LokMarg

Indian Army in a joint operation with Handwara Police recovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Wodhpura forest near National Highway 701 during a search operation early Monday morning, said a police statement.

The police statement further said that the area was immediately cordoned off with adeqate security measures and a Bomb Disposal team was called in to detonate the IED’s.
The police further informed that no casualties or injuries were reported.

Acting on a tip-off, Indian Army and Handwara Police launched a swift and well coordinated Search and Destruction Operation (SADO) in the Wodhpura forest in early hours of Monday.

“The operation resulted in the recovery of two sophisticated IEDs of approximately 5 and 7 kgs, concealed in the jungle area. The team immediately cordoned off the area with adequate security measures,” read the police statement.

“The positive identification of IED was carried out by Indian Army’s highly trained explosive detection team equipped with Explosive detectors and Army Dog,” the statement added.

Security forces and police resumed a thorough operation later in the day to look for any more IED’s or militants hiding in the area.

“The prompt action by the joint team of security forces averted major incident in the area,” it said.

Menawhile, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday launched a search operation along the Line of Control (LoC) after observing some suspicious movement in the Poonch sector.

According to the police, the search operation launched early Monday morning was underway.

“A search operation of the Indian Army and J-K Police is underway along LoC in the Poonch sector after suspicious movement was observed at LoC,” police said. (ANI)

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Ghulam on Abrogation of article

Not As Easy As Abrogation Of Article 370: Ghulam Nabi Azad On UCC

By LokMarg

Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Friday that bringing about Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not be as easy for the central government as abrogation of Article 370.

“This is not as easy as abrogation of Article 370. It has all religions, not only Muslims, but it has Sikhs, Christians, tribals, Jains, and Parsis. Angering so many religions at the same time will not be good for any government and my advice to this government is that they should never think of taking such a step,” he said.
Speaking on elections in the state, Azad said, “When the Assembly was dissolved in 2018 since then we are waiting that when the elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir. We are waiting for six years.”

Ghulam Nabi Azad said that people in Jammu and Kashmir are waiting eagerly for elections in the union territory.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are waiting for the democratic set-up to be restored in the state…meaning that the elected representatives become MLAs and they run the government. Because only elected representatives can do this work in a democracy,” the veteran politician said.

The Centre abrogated Article 370 and 35(A) from the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019. Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the same day.

“Across the world or in any part of India the ‘officer sarkar’ can’t run for more than six months. It is essential that elected representatives are brought back to power,” Ghulam Nabi Azad reasoned, backing for elections in the Union Territory.

“We have been demanding from the last six years, five years and even three years and even now that elections are held as soon as possible,” he said pleading for elections. (ANI)

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Kashmir Will Have Its Own Film Industry One Day: Sawhny

By LokMarg

Film producer Ashok Sawhny ‘Sahil’ expressed happiness on seeing Kashmir becoming a film-shoot hub again and hoped that it will become a prime destination for the film industry.

“I appreciate the J-K government’s move of rolling out a film policy for the smooth film shootings in the valley. This is definitely bringing more films, tourism and employment to the pristine valley,” Sawhny said in a statement.
Sawhny also talked about his plans for shooting his next film amidst the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir.

“Whether it is the film ‘Haider’ or my upcoming film, I believe that Kashmir is the perfect destination for the film shootings. I have visited Switzerland almost fifty times but I have always failed to compare it with Kashmir’s nature and beauty. I am also planning to shoot my next film in the valley,” he added.

Sawhny even rooted for local Kashmiri artistes.

“In my upcoming film which has been shot in J-K, we have introduced the young artists to the world. We have also taken the young musicians from this place,” he said.

The veteran filmmaker-poet can’t wait to see Kashmir having its own film industry one day.

“I believe that if things continue to remain peaceful, Kashmir will have its own film Industry one day,” he said.

Sawhny has produced and penned the lyrics of a Bollywood film recently which was completely shot in J&K’s Bhaderwah region. The film titled ‘Lafzon Mein Pyaar’ is likely to release in theatres in July end.

Sawhny also took a stroll down memory lane and recalled how he spent his childhood days in Kashmir.

“I was born in Lahore (now in Pakistan) in 1937 and my family moved to New Delhi after the 1947 partition. My grandfather was posted as Chief Justice of J&K High Court in 1935. We used to visit Srinagar and Gulmarg. We used to have shikara rides and play golf. We also had a farmhouse in Srinagar,” he reminisced.

Sawhny appealed to other producers of the industry to visit Kashmir and choose it as their favourite shooting destination.

He said he plans to release the first show of his upcoming film in Srinagar theatre.

“I hope people will visit and watch it,” Sawhny added. (ANI)

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Farooq Abdullah

Centre Should Consider That Country Is Diverse: Farooq On UCC

By LokMarg

National Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that the Centre before bringing the Uniform Civil Code should consider that the country is diverse.

Farooq Abdullah also extended his greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He got emotional while explaining the significance of the day, which recognises Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice everything, including his son Ismail for Allah.
Meanwhile, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir extended his wishes to the pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra, commencing on July 1.

“They (Central Government) should consider that the country is diverse. People of all religions, languages, and ideologies live here, and as for Muslims, they have their Shariat laws too. The Government should think about any possible storm that would come if they take a step in this direction (implement UCC)” he said.

“I send my best wishes to the (Amarnath) Yatra. It is starting tomorrow, may Allah bless them with success in taking blessings from here,” he said.

“I wish everyone on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha and pray to Allah to accept our sacrifices, forgive our sins, and free Jammu and Kashmir from the difficult times it is facing now,” said the PDP chief.

“Today is the day when we make sacrifices in the name of Allah. We hope Allah accepts our offerings and relieves us of some of our problems, thus allowing us to live peacefully,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief, Mehbooba Mufti, also extended her greetings to everyone on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Eid Al-Adha or Bakra Eid, which is being observed on June 29 this year, is a holy occasion also called the ‘festival of sacrifice’ and is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Every year, the date changes as it’s based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar.

The festival is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges and make meaningful connections with one another. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

Eid traditions and festivities vary around the world, and different countries have unique cultural approaches to this important festival. (ANI)

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Amarnath Yatri Niwas Base Camp

First Batch Of Pilgrims Arrive At Amarnath Yatri Niwas Base Camp

By LokMarg

A large number of pilgrims reached the Yatri Niwas Base Camp in Jammu on Thursday, ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra on July 1.

The first batch of pilgrims for the Yatra was seen in huge lines outside the base camp, and in high spirits. Tight security arrangements can be seen at the base camp.

The 62-day yatra, which commences on July 1 and culminates on August 31, is an important pilgrimage for Hindus who visit the Amarnath Cave, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It will start from the ancient paths of Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir where pilgrims will set off on their solemn trek.

In preparation for the Yatra, various langar committees started their preparation on Wednesday, three days in advance, to cater to the pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir.

The committees prepared sheds, cooking resources and other raw materials on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ushampur district. A total of 22 langars have been established this year at various points of the highway (NHW-44).

Additionally, according to an official statement by the Jammu and Kashmir police, the Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh: Additional Chief Secretary, Raj Kumar Goyal; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, on Wednesday, took an extensive tour of the twin routes of pilgrimage to Amarnath Yatra.

It also mentioned that the officials concentrated on full coordination among the forces & other stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the Yatra and they emphasized the identification of sensitive areas which may require an additional arrangement for the pilgrims.

The deployed officers were also directed to implement the devised plans on the ground for the security & safety of pilgrims and to work diligently to ensure the highest standards of professionalism while extending all required assistance and cooperation to the yatris, according to the official statement.

Before the yatra starts, the Anantnag district (Jammu and Kashmir) administration has set up all facilities, including medical care, sanitation, and others, and staff members have been stationed at various locations, added officials.

While talking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid said that “This year as far as RIFD, or sanitization or logging all arrangements have been made and all departments are working for the Yatra and like last year all arrangements have been made.

This yatra is also not only about spiritual harmony but also communal harmony, the officials said. (ANI)

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