Jammu should be a destination, not just a transit point: Sahni
JAMMU, May 30: The Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday launched its “Spend a Day in Jammu” campaign and unveiled a special poster urging pilgrims visiting the Shri Amarnath Yatra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine to spend at least one day exploring Jammu’s rich heritage, culture and tourist attractions.
Releasing the poster at the party’s state office here, Shiv Sena J&K chief Manish Sahni said that Jammu should be promoted not merely as a transit point but as a major religious, cultural and tourism destination.
He said that lakhs of pilgrims visit Jammu & Kashmir every year, but a large number of them proceed to their destinations without exploring Jammu city’s historical, religious and tourist landmarks. If pilgrims dedicate even one day of their journey to Jammu, it would provide them an opportunity to experience the region’s rich Dogra culture and heritage while also boosting local tourism and trade.
Sahni said that under the campaign, the posters will be distributed among pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra and displayed at major public locations, including railway stations, bus stands and prominent city intersections, to create awareness about Jammu’s key tourist attractions.
He said the poster highlights several important landmarks, including Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu, Hari Ki Pauri Tawi Ghat, Mubarak Mandi, Amar Mahal Museum, Peer Kho Cave Temple, Suchetgarh Border and other prominent destinations. It also showcases the contribution of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, and Maharaja Hari Singh, who signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947.
Meanwhile, a party delegation submitted the poster to the Director of Tourism and urged the department to introduce a “One-Day Jammu Darshan” programme for pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra period.
The delegation suggested that free bus services be arranged to facilitate visits to major religious and tourist sites in Jammu. It also called for the establishment of information centres, tourist guides and other necessary facilities to enhance the experience of visiting pilgrims.
Sahni said that considering Jammu’s immense religious, historical and cultural significance, the government should take concrete steps to encourage more pilgrims to stay in the city and contribute to the growth of local tourism and the economy.
Vikas Bakshi, Sanjeev Kohli, Sanjay Bhatt, Jasbir Singh were present on this occasion.
Manish Sahni extended his heartfelt greetings to journalists, editors, photojournalists and media professionals on the completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism.
Sahni said that Hindi journalism has made an invaluable contribution to India’s freedom struggle, nation-building and social awakening over the past two centuries. He described it as not merely a medium of news dissemination, but a powerful pillar of democracy and a strong voice of the people.
Highlighting the role of the media in a democratic society, Sahni said that Hindi journalism has consistently raised public concerns, promoted social awareness and strengthened democratic institutions. He added that truth, impartiality and commitment to public interest remain the core strengths of journalism and are essential for preserving democratic values and ensuring an informed society.
He conveyed his best wishes to the entire media fraternity and expressed hope that Hindi journalism would continue to uphold its rich legacy and serve the nation with integrity and responsibility.