Amarnath Yatra people’s pilgrimage; welcoming environment with full security measures in place for yatris: LG Sinha

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 14 (STC): Amarnath Yatra is the people’s Yatra and is not just the responsibility of the administration or forces. It’s a collective pilgrimage in which the entire society should feel proud to contribute to it.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said this while talking to reporters. He described the upcoming Yatra as sacred Journey.
He was at Nunwan base camp to review the Yatra arrangements. Notably, he also handed over appointment letter to wife of Syed Adil who was among 26 killed in Pahalgam terror attack.
Sinha said that over the past few years, significant improvements have been made in infrastructure to support the Yatra which include better roads, improved power and telecom connectivity, increased accommodation facilities, and strengthened security systems.
A special convoy plan has also been finalised from Jammu to ensure safe travel for pilgrims heading to the holy cave, Sinha said, adding that this year’s Yatra would not only run smoothly but also bring economic benefits to locals and strengthen social harmony in the region.
“Tourism is picking up. All train bookings to Jammu are full for the next 10 to 12 days. We are seeing a renewed enthusiasm,” he added.
As part of broader efforts to revive tourism across Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha also announced the reopening of major tourist destinations in both Kashmir and Jammu regions.
He said the reopening would begin in phases, with eight popular spots cleared to welcome tourists in the first phase. In Kashmir, these include Betaab Valley, public parks in the Pahalgam market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden, Achabal Garden in Anantnag, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Takht-e-Sulaiman Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar.
In the Jammu division, the reopened spots include Sarthal and Dagger in Kathua, Devi Pindi and Sihar Baba in Reasi, Gul Danda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur.
“The safety of our tourists remains paramount. Reopening these destinations will give a strong message of confidence and normalcy,” LG Sinha said.
He also said that more tourist destinations will be reopened in a second phase, based on further assessment by a designated review committee.
The LG also said that in the coming weeks, Srinagar will host a series of high-level visits from New Delhi, including Union Ministers, Parliamentary Committees, and senior officials to signal growing national focus on J&K and further reinforce the narrative of trust, stability, and development.
He urged citizens across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the Amarnath Yatra, assuring them a welcoming environment with all security measures in place.(STC)