JAMMU, Jun 23: Senior Congress leader and Working President Raman Bhalla has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to ensure comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. He stressed that the safety and well-being of lakhs of devotees visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the holy pilgrimage must remain the administration’s top priority.
Ramabhalla accompanied with Latish Sharma Block president, Gagan Bral , Paras Ram, Sahil Mathi, Harvinder Kour, Kala Ram, Gorav Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Vimla Devi , Arjun Kumar, Ajay Kumar, zahid Bhat, Kishore Kumar, Sahil Singh visited Rajiv Nagar, today and met with the people of cross sections of the society and highlighted congress party’s message of communal harmony and support for the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, commencing from July 2nd 2026.
Bhalla said that the Amarnath Yatra is one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in the country and attracts devotees from every corner of India. Therefore, all necessary measures related to security, healthcare, transportation, accommodation, and emergency response should be strengthened to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
He urged the administration to deploy adequate security personnel along the pilgrimage routes and enhance surveillance in sensitive areas. He also emphasized the need for efficient coordination among various departments to handle any unforeseen situations and guarantee the safety of pilgrims throughout the Yatra.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Jammu, Bhalla said that while ensuring security remains the foremost responsibility, efforts should also be made to encourage Amarnath pilgrims to spend some time exploring the major tourist and religious destinations of Jammu. He noted that most pilgrims travel directly to the shrine and return without getting an opportunity to experience the rich cultural, historical, and religious heritage of the Jammu region.
Bhalla suggested that the government and tourism department should create a structured plan to connect Amarnath pilgrims with Jammu’s prominent tourist attractions. Such an initiative, he said, would not only enhance the overall experience of visitors but also provide a significant boost to the local tourism industry and economy.
He pointed out that Jammu is home to several renowned destinations, including Mansar Lake, Surinsar Lake, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bahu Fort, Suchetgarh Border in R.S. Pura, Baba Chamliyal Shrine, Babe Wali Mata Temple, and many other places of religious and tourist interest. However, due to inadequate promotion and lack of convenient transportation facilities, many visitors are unable to explore these attractions.
According to Bhalla, if proper tourism packages and transportation arrangements are introduced during the Amarnath Yatra, a large number of pilgrims can be encouraged to visit these destinations. This would help generate economic activity across the Jammu region and benefit hoteliers, transport operators, shopkeepers, local businesses, and thousands of people dependent on tourism for their livelihood.
He further stated that tourism-related activities in Jammu have witnessed challenges in recent times, affecting the income and employment opportunities of many local residents. Linking the Amarnath Yatra with the promotion of Jammu tourism, he said, can play a crucial role in revitalizing the local economy and creating new opportunities for growth.
Earlier, Raman Bhalla also met several saints and sadhus preparing for the Amarnath Yatra. During the interaction, he listened to their concerns and suggestions regarding various arrangements associated with the pilgrimage. He assured them that their issues and demands would be conveyed to the government and the concerned authorities for appropriate action.
Bhalla described the Amarnath Yatra as a symbol of faith, unity, and India’s rich cultural heritage. Reiterating his appeal, he said that while ensuring the security of pilgrims is the primary responsibility of the administration, equal attention should be given to enabling devotees to explore Jammu’s religious and tourist destinations. Such a balanced approach, he added, would not only enrich the pilgrimage experience but also provide a much-needed boost to tourism and economic activity in the Jammu region.