“As far as security is concerned, appropriate steps will be taken”: CM Omar Abdullah on Amarnath Yatra

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that tourism has been affected in the region, the government is currently giving priority to the smooth and safe conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Abdullah confirmed that civil and security arrangements are being made for the annual pilgrimage, which will start through Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahgam routes. He further stated that the administration is currently focusing on the successful organization of Mata Kheer Bhavani Mela set for June 3, and efforts to revive tourism will begin once when the Amarnath Yatra ends peacefully.

Talking to the Mediaperson, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “As far as civil systems are concerned, we are fully prepared. As far as security is concerned, appropriate steps will be taken. We are mainly focusing on the successful conduct of Mata Kheer Bhavani Mela on June 3.

“Tourism has been killed, but we are not doing anything about it right now. Let the situation return to normal position, after which we will sit with the stakeholders of tourism and work on the revival of our tourism industry … Amarnath Yatra will end peacefully, we will start working on the revival of tourism,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Holy Sri Amarnath ji Yatra is gathering a preparation at major points along the Pahgam route, over two months to start 2025.

Starting from July 3, this year’s journey is a witness to increased coordination between security agencies and civil departments to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

At the Nanwan Base Camp, the main transit and registration center near Pahalgam, large -scale verification and registration process is currently running for pony, their handlers and service providers.

These individuals play an important role in removing pilgrims and supply during the challenging trek to the Amarnath Cave pilgrimage site. A joint team involved to the officials of the Labor Department and Animal Husbandry Department (Anantnag) is posted at the security posts to oversee the process.

Officers are confirming the identity and background documents of the pony owners and other service personnel, while veterinary doctors are fully checking the ponds before allowing them to be registered. (AI)