The Hindu : Other States / Jammu & Kashmir News : More facilities for Amarnath pilgrims promised

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 07, 2004

Other States

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

More facilities for Amarnath pilgrims promised

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, SEPT. 6. The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S. K. Sinha, today said that a series of measures would be taken up to upgrade facilities during Amarnath Yatra 2005 while describing the pilgrimage unique in the world and most secular in the country.

After honouring the organisations that had lent support in successful culmination of the Yatra, at the Raj Bhavan lawns here this evening, the Governor complimented the security forces, police and the Administration for making this year's Yatra incident-free, second time in a row.

He complimented the security agencies for braving difficult terrain, defying weather and terrorists, to ensure the safety of pilgrims though intelligence inputs had unfolded sinister plans of elements inimical to peace to attack the Yatra.

The synergy between security forces, para-military forces and police made a unique blend of team spirit to thwart any such attempt. Colour of uniforms makes no difference, each element is important, he said, while referring to the coordination between them and hoped that given this coordination the State will surmount its difficulties on terrorism front.

Gen. Sinha had a special praise for the people of Kashmir for their hospitality, which they extended to pilgrims and said this symbolized the great ethos and culture of the land of Sufis and Saints.

He gave the background about the discovery of the cave shrine by a Muslim shepherd and said since then the majority community had been contributing immensely in the conduct of Yatra. "True spirit of revival of Kashmiriyat is a more potent weapon to defeat terrorism than the huge fire power at our command'', he added.

About the cleaning of track and camping sites in Baltal and Pahalgam, General Sinha said various voluntary organisations and NCC cadets had joined in the massive effort. He said he had spoken to Director General NCC in this regard.

The Governor said over 20,000 security personnel were involved in the conduct of Yatra.

The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, Arun Kumar, said that this year's cash offerings of Rs 2.80 crores would be spent on improving the track and creating additional facilities for the next Yatra.

He said every possible step would be taken for making the pilgrimage comfortable for Yatris who throng in large numbers from various parts of the country. Over four lakh pilgrims undertook the Yatra, which he described as unique, saying that the 45-day official pilgrimage was the longest ever so far.

He said several other measures like preserving the longevity of the holy ice lingam and providing affordable helicopter service would also be taken up. Dr Kumar said that 68 pilgrims died due to cardiac arrest and other diseases.

The Governor presented mementos to the officers of civil administration, army, police and para-military forces including CRPF, BSF, ITBP <243>and Jammu and Kashmir Fire Services besides several <243>others.

These included Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar S J M Gillani, SSP Ganderbal S A Watali, SSP Police Control Room M A Ganai, SSP (Security) N D Wani and SP Anantnag Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

News Update

Stories in this Section

More facilities for Amarnath pilgrims promised