Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that the government is fully committed to ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Kashmir. This assurance came during his visit to the revered Mata temple in Tulmula Ganderbal, located in central Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah while talking to reporters said that extensive civil and security arrangements are being put in place for both events. The Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela is scheduled for June 3, while the Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3, with pilgrims expected to travel via the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
“As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared. We are also taking necessary steps to ensure security,” Abdullah said. He reiterated that the govt is committed for the successful organization of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, while also assuring that measures are in place to facilitate a safe pilgrimage for Amarnath Yatra participants.
Addressing concerns regarding the tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted in the Valley, Abdullah acknowledged the challenges but indicated that immediate plans for revival would be postponed until after the Yatra concludes peacefully. “Tourism has been hit, but we are not doing anything about it for now. Let the situation return to normalcy, after which we will sit with stakeholders to work on the revival of our tourism industry,” he said.
Preparations for the Amarnath Yatra are already underway, particularly at key points along the Pahalgam route. The Nunwan Base Camp, serving as the main transit and registration hub, is currently witnessing a large-scale verification process for ponies and service providers essential for the pilgrimage. A joint team from the Labour Department and Animal Husbandry Department is overseeing this critical operation at security checkpoints.
Officials are meticulously verifying the identity and background documents of pony owners and service personnel, while veterinary doctors conduct health checkups to ensure the well-being of the ponies before registration.
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