Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged devotees and pilgrims visiting the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra to pray for peace and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister made the appeal during his visit to the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal district, where he reviewed arrangements for the annual mela scheduled to be held on June 22.
During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected the facilities being put in place for devotees and interacted with temple priests regarding preparations for the mela, which attracts thousands of pilgrims mostly Kashmir Pandits from across the country and abroad every year.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said the Kheer Bhawani Mela is an auspicious occasion when devotees gather to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
“On June 22, devotees from different parts of the world will come here to pay obeisance and seek blessings. I have come not only as the Chief Minister but also as the MLA of Ganderbal to see the arrangements, understand what has been done and what remains to be completed,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he discussed several issues with the temple priests and assured them that efforts would be made to address pending requirements before the June 22.
When asked about the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Omar said it is the responsibility Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to manage the pilgrimage.
“There is a difference between the Amarnath Yatra and here (Kheer Bhawani Mela). The Shrine Board has the major responsibility for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra, but the government is assisting in every possible way,” he said.
Expressing hope for the successful conduct of both the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister said pilgrims should be able to perform their darshan without any difficulty.
“I hope that whether it is the Kheer Bhawani Mela or the Amarnath Yatra, devotees are able to undertake their pilgrimage smoothly. We also hope that when they offer prayers, they pray for peace and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar said.
When asked about reports about the ‘construction of Kashmiri Pandit colonies’ in Shopian and Pulwama, Chief Minister clarified that the projects are transit accommodations for employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s package and not separate colonies.
He said such facilities are being developed across Jammu and Kashmir to provide suitable housing and ensure smooth functioning of the employees.
The CM added that the initiative was launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and is continuing.
