'Centre, J&K Committed To Safety Of Amarnath Pilgrims': Gajendra Shekhawat As Yatra Begins From July 3
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assured top most security to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
Nearly a month after tourism was hit by a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday assured topmost security to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
Shekhawat also appealed to the pilgrims to preserve the environment and natural beauty of the valley.
"People should come for the Amarnath yatra. The Amarnath yatra is safe, the Government of India and the state government are committed and you will not get even a scratch," Shekhawat was quoted as saying by news agency PTI after he visited the Martand Sun Temple at Mattan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
The Amarnath yatra will be held from July 3 to August 9.
Shekhawat also visited the nearby tourist resort in Pahalgam. On April 22, a terror attack killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator sending shockwaves in the entire country.
He said Kashmir is safe and tourists should visit the valley not only to see its natural beauty but also its rich cultural heritage. "I appeal to the 140 crore people of India to try to see Kashmir's heritage, and its historical grandeur and divinity, along with its natural beauty as well," he added.
To a question about the preservation of famous historical monuments in the valley, the Union minister said some restoration works have been carried out, but there is a need to do more.
The Union minister also took to X after his visit to the temple. "Visited the majestic Martand Temple, that is a profound reflection of the glory of Kashmir's civilisational past. Built by the legendary King Lalitaditya, this grand temple dedicated to Surya was one of the earliest and most magnificent sun temples in India," Shekhawat said in a post on X.
"If it looks this awe-inspiring in its weathered form, one can imagine its grandeur of yore given the temple's scale, sculptural richness, and strategic location atop a plateau overlooking the valley," he added.
The minister also visited the Avanti Swami temple in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.
Shekhawat said he reviewed the tourist facilities and upkeep efforts being undertaken there along with officials of the ASI and district administration.
The Union minister on Tuesday visited Mata Kheer Bhavani temple in Tulamulla, and Naranag Temple complex in central Kashmir's Ganderbal. He also held an interaction with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"During my visit to Jammu & Kashmir, I was graciously invited for a dinner interaction by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah Ji. In a warm and cordial atmosphere, we held a positive and forward-looking discussion on the development of the tourism sector in J&K," the minister wrote on X.
He said emphasis was laid on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage sites, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities through tourism.
(With agency inputs)
First Published:
June 19, 2025, 14:53 IST
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