>Visits Pantha Chowk Yatra transit camp, interacts with yatris
> Directs officials to ensure fruit growers, dealers transporting perishable goods don’t face any inconvenience on highway
> To streamline the traffic for pilgrims, fruit traders to priority
> Appreciates, admires contribution of J&K people to make pilgrimage successful
By: UNI/ PK Desk
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that more than 50,000 yatris performed pooja and ‘darshan’ at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the past four days.
“More than 50,000 had darshan at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir during the past four days and the number is increasing with the devotees arriving here,” the LG told media persons on the sidelines of interaction with Shri Amarnathji pilgrims at Pantha Chowk transit camp, here.
The 43-day-long Amarnath yatra commenced from June 30, amid unprecedented security arrangements in Himalayas.
He said to expect how many yatris would come for darshan, was not reasonable at present.
“We are counting the pilgrims on a daily basis and that figure would be put before you. The yatra is going on smoothly with the help of people of Jammu and Kashmir and the administration. The yatris, who have come from across the country, are very happy the way local people welcome them, which has been a tradition here for centuries,” the LG said.
Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would pay a visit here, LG Sinha said, “Whosoever wants to come, is welcome .Whether the Prime Minister is coming or not… I cannot say anything. I think paying a visit by a VIP should not disturb the pilgrimage of the devotees. We want to provide every kind of facility to the yatris.
The Lt Governor said the security forces have achieved success by keeping mutual understanding and have put one of the best arrangements of security for the pilgrims. “…I think everything would be all right with the grace of God,” he expressed hope.
Earlier LG Sinha visited Amarnath Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk and interacted with the pilgrims.
The Lt Governor enquired about the facilities being extended to the pilgrims, besides conveying his greetings and best wishes to the Yatris.
The LG said the administration is ensuring that the movement of perishable items does not face any hurdle and trucks are allowed during the notified time.
“Officials should ensure that fruit growers, farmers and dealers transporting perishable items like fruits & vegetables do not face inconvenience on the national highway. It is top priority of the administration to streamline the traffic for both Yatris and traders of fruits & vegetables,” LG Sinha said.
“Traffic on the Highway has been restored and orders have been issued that trucks carrying fruits and vegetables be given a safe passage. Only when there is a pilgrim convoy coming from Jammu or the devotees are leaving from Srinagar towards their destination, should they be given way, for their safety. We are trying to facilitate everybody,” he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements put in place for the convenience of the yatris. “I truly appreciate and admire the contribution of the people of Jammu Kashmir to make this holy Yatra successful, ” he added.
The selfless service of civil society, volunteers and locals have made a huge difference in our effort to provide best possible facilities to the pilgrims, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also interacted with the volunteers and inspected various counters put up for extending assistance to the yatris.
Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other senior officers accompanied the Lt Governor.
