Srinagar, July 1: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary today during his visit to the Baltal base camp to review the arrangements for the annual pilgrimage said the successful conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra will serve as a milestone in reviving tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has suffered a setback following the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam earlier this year.
He described the yatra as “a festival of Jammu and Kashmir” and a symbol of spiritual unity, hospitality, and cultural heritage passed down by the region’s elders.
While urging people from across the country and the world to join the pilgrimage, Chowdhary said, “If we, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, say with pride that we are Indians, then people from all over will come on this journey, lift the morale of our people, and give tourism a much-needed boost & this Yatra will become a milestone for that revival. Reflecting on his own long-held desire to undertake the Yatra, he praised the Border Roads Organisation for making the track more accessible. Earlier, I could not walk on the crooked path, but today I saw with my own eyes the excellent work BRO has done.
This is just the beginning & soonaA day will come when even our elders will be able to visit Baba Amarnath comfortably, lauding BRO’s efforts despite Kashmir’s short working season.
Choudhary said that the Yatra’s success depends not only on the Shrine Board but also on the active support of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. Every department-PDD, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and others-is contributing.
He appealed to people to participate in the pilgrimage and support Jammu and Kashmir’s revival.
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