Jammu, Jul 04: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended a heartfelt welcome to the devotees undertaking the sacred Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3 and will continue till August 9.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP spokesperson Rajni Sethi and the Media Incharge Dr Pardeep Mahotra reaffirmed the party’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable pilgrimage for all Amarnath Yatris. BJP Secretary Anju Dogra was also present during the interaction.
Sethi said Jammu and Kashmir is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and the spirit of brotherhood among its people. “As the sacred Amarnath Yatra begins from July 3 to August 9, BJP Jammu and Kashmir extends a heartfelt welcome to all devotees from across India and abroad,” she said.
Recalling the tragic terror attack of April 22, 2025, in which innocent tourists were targeted by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, she said such acts have failed to weaken the people’s resolve. Despite the attack, over 4 lakh pilgrims have already registered this year, reaffirming that faith is stronger than fear, she said.
The spokesperson appreciated the strong security arrangements, efficient facilities, and the overwhelming support from local Kashmiris, who are actively helping and welcoming yatris. The post-Article 370 era has brought a visible change, yatris are now respected and protected by all communities, she added.
Sethi called on all political parties to support the yatra beyond politics and promote communal harmony. She said Jammu and Kashmir stands as a symbol of unity, peace, and shared spirituality.
Dr Pardeep Mahotra said every stakeholder must play a proactive role in making the yatra a spiritually fulfilling and logistically sound experience. He praised Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for initiatives like the Tawi Aarti and acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Kashmir Valley. However, he urged for more robust, year-round measures to promote tourism across all regions, particularly Jammu, which he said had been ignored for decades.
Dr Mahotra urged CM Abdullah to take personal initiative in leading the tourism department and other allied services to ensure flawless arrangements for the yatris. He stressed the urgent need to focus on power, water, health, transportation, cultural programming, and digital information systems.
“The yatris are ambassadors of goodwill. Their satisfaction can significantly enhance J&K’s image as a premier spiritual and tourist destination,” he said.
The BJP leader urged the government to optimally utilise the Modi government’s infrastructure and tourism-boosting initiatives, with special focus on developing and showcasing the rich yet underexplored tourist sites of Jammu.
