Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal district to review preparations for the annual mela scheduled to be held at the shrine.
A large number of devotees, mainly Kashmiri Pandits, are expected to gather at the Ragnya Devi temple, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani, in Tulmulla on Monday for the annual festival.
During the visit, the chief minister inspected the facilities arranged for devotees and reviewed measures taken to ensure the event is conducted smoothly.
Omar also offered prayers at the temple.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, he said the occasion holds deep religious significance. He noted that devotees travel from different parts of the country and abroad to seek blessings at the shrine. He said he visited both as the chief minister and as the MLA from Ganderbal to personally assess the arrangements.
The chief minister said he interacted with priests and other people associated with the shrine. Some concerns regarding arrangements were brought to his notice, and he assured them that efforts would be made to resolve the issues before the mela on June 22.
Replying to a question about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Omar said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board is responsible for managing the pilgrimage, which is set to begin on July 3 this year. He said the shrine board carries the main responsibility for ensuring the yatra proceeds smoothly. However, he added that the government is providing all necessary support wherever required.
The chief minister urged pilgrims visiting Jammu and Kashmir to pray for peace, harmony and brotherhood in the Union Territory. He said he hoped devotees visiting both the Kheer Bhawani shrine and the Amarnath cave temple would have a smooth pilgrimage and remember Jammu and Kashmir in their prayers.
Responding to concerns about irrigation problems faced by some farmers in the constituency, Omar said the government is taking all possible steps to address the situation.
"There are such reports from a few places, not the whole Ganderbal. Whatever can be done through canals, etc, is being done so that there is no lack of irrigation water. We thank God that it rained over the last few days and so, the water scarcity was mitigated a bit. But, I will send the Minister Javed Rana and officials to the spot wherever is needed so that whatever remains to be done, will be done," he added.
Asked about reports of Kashmiri Pandit colonies being built in Shopian and Pulwama, Omar clarified that these were transit accommodation facilities and similar projects were being developed in several places.
"It is being built for PM package employees so that they get a good living space and work smoothly. The work started in PM Manmohan Singh's time and is going on," Omar added.
Also read: Peace boosts tourism along LOC as tourists opt off beat spots
Follow us
