Amarnath Yatra people’s pilgrimage, not just an administrative Task: LG Sinha

Srinagar, June 14 : Describing upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra as a sacred Journey, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the sacred journey is not only the  adminstrative task but belongs to every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha made these remarks while speaking to reporters after reviewing arrangements at Nunwan base camp and handing over the appointment letter to the wife of Syed Adil who was among 26 killed in Pahalgam terror attack.

LG Sinha said the Yatra is not merely the responsibility of the administration or security agencies, but a collective pilgrimage in which the entire society should feel involved and proud. “This Yatra is not just the responsibility of the administration or forces; it is the people’s Yatra. Everyone should feel proud to contribute to it,” he said.

Sinha said that over the past few years, significant improvements have been made in infrastructure to support the Yatra which include better roads, improved power and telecom connectivity, increased accommodation facilities, and strengthened security systems.

A special convoy plan has also been finalised from Jammu to ensure safe travel for pilgrims heading to the holy cave, Sinha said, adding that this year’s Yatra would not only run smoothly but also bring economic benefits to locals and strengthen social harmony in the region.

“Tourism is picking up. All train bookings to Jammu are full for the next 10 to 12 days. We are seeing a renewed enthusiasm,” he added.

As part of broader efforts to revive tourism across Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha also announced the reopening of major tourist destinations in both Kashmir and Jammu regions.

He said the reopening would begin in phases, with eight popular spots cleared to welcome tourists in the first phase. In Kashmir, these include Betaab Valley, public parks in the Pahalgam market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden, Achabal Garden in Anantnag, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Takht-e-Sulaiman Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar.

In the Jammu division, the reopened spots include Sarthal and Dagger in Kathua, Devi Pindi and Sihar Baba in Reasi, Gul Danda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur.

The decision to reopen these locations was taken after a joint review by Divisional Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, who examined field reports from respective districts. “The safety of our tourists remains paramount. Reopening these destinations will give a strong message of confidence and normalcy,” LG Sinha said.

He also said that more tourist destinations will be reopened in a second phase, based on further assessment by a designated review committee.

On the welfare front, LG Sinha said that the widow of a civilian who was killed in the recent attack has been offered a government job by the J&K administration.

Sinha also said that in the coming weeks, Srinagar will host a series of high-level visits from New Delhi, including Union Ministers, Parliamentary Committees, and senior officials to signal growing national focus on J&K and further reinforce the narrative of trust, stability, and development. “These steps are building a new atmosphere of trust and progress,” LG Sinha said.

Sinha urged citizens across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the Amarnath Yatra, assuring them that the administration has ensured full security and a welcoming environment for all visitors.