'Kashmir Is Safe': Union Minister Assures Topmost Security For Yatra

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday visited the site of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and praised the resilience and spirit of the Kashmiri people, calling it the“real soul of Kashmir.” He also assured that topmost security measures would be in place for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Shekhawat, on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, began his day by paying tribute at the site of the April 22 attack that left 26 people dead, including tourists, a pony operator, and a Nepalese national. Sharing his experience on social media, he wrote,“A heavy heart but one filled with hope... the quiet resolve to not let fear define them is the real soul of Kashmir.”

The minister was especially moved by the courage of Sajjad Ahmad Bhatt, a local who risked his life to save an injured tourist during the attack.“In a moment of fear and chaos, he chose courage and humanity above all,” Shekhawat posted, sharing a video titled“Meeting the Pahalgam Hero.”

Shekhawat also interacted with tourists and locals, lauding the return of everyday vibrancy to the region.“The unwavering hospitality and strength of the people is what makes Kashmir #IncredibleIndia,” he said.

As part of his itinerary, the minister visited several heritage sites, including the ancient Martand Sun Temple in Mattan, the Avantiswami Temple in Pulwama, and the Naranag Temple complex in Ganderbal. At the Martand site, he appealed to pilgrims and tourists to respect and help preserve the valley's environment and historical legacy.

Read Also Centre, J&K Committed To Safety Of Amarnath Pilgrims: Shekhawat Shekhawat, J&K CM Hold Forward-Looking Talks On Tourism

“Kashmir is safe. The Amarnath Yatra is safe. The Government of India and the state government are fully committed. You will not get even a scratch,” he told reporters after visiting the Martand temple. The annual Yatra is scheduled from July 3 to August 9.

He urged the people of India to explore Kashmir beyond its scenic beauty.“I appeal to the 140 crore people of India to try to get to know about Kashmir's heritage, its historical grandeur and divinity,” Shekhawat said.

Commenting on the preservation of heritage monuments, the minister noted that while restoration work has been initiated by the Archaeological Survey of India and state authorities, much more needs to be done to protect centuries-old cultural assets.

Later in the evening, Shekhawat met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a dinner interaction.“We had a positive and forward-looking discussion on the development of the tourism sector in J&K,” he said, adding that they discussed infrastructure enhancement, promotion of heritage sites, and sustainable livelihood generation through tourism.

Sharing images from his visit, Shekhawat praised the local hospitality industry for their determination to keep Kashmir vibrant and welcoming despite recent setbacks. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to minimizing the impact of the attack on the region's tourism sector.

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