Rajesh Gupta, chairman, Tourism Federation of Jammu, along with prominent members of tourism trade of J&K including S Amrik Singh, Nazir A Mir, Karan Watal, BB Kotwal had interactions with prominent tourism stakeholders, travel trade associations members (IATO, TAAI, ADTOI, ATOAI, MTOA, IAAI) and with prominent media personals of Delhi and Mumbai. Gupta said, “J&K Government making efforts and assuring for a trouble free holiday for tourists and pilgrims; with special reference to Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017.”
“J&K Tourism, which has pilgrim tourism as its core activity also offers great leisure, adventure, border and rural tourism in all the three regions of the state throughout the year,” said Gupta, adding further, “With Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrimage attracting around 10 million pilgrims annually, June is time for Sindhu Darshan in Leh. Shri Amarnathji Yatra is starting from end of June from Pahalgam and Sonmarg in Kashmir followed by Buda Amarnathji pilgrimage to Poonch in July and August, Machail Mata pilgrimage in Pader Kishtwar in August, and around the same time Kailash Yatra will be organised in Bhaderwah and the list continues. With all pilgrimages, tourists can combine few leisure activities of their choice to make their holiday more memorable.”
Reminding that the most important aspect for a pilgrim/ tourist before embarking is security, Gupta remarked, “On this aspect we need to clarify certain doubts. J&K, is a vast state comprising three provinces – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh; which are geographically different, culturally enriched, with great tourism potential.” He added, “All our tourism circuits are completely safe and there is never any targeted violence on tourists. We want to reassure countrymen, pilgrims and worthy members of tourism trade. The government has made all arrangements for a trouble free, safe and secure Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage and people can embark on the Yatra without any fear and hesitation.” He pointed out that keeping in view the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra and whole state administration and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board are working tirelessly to make this Yatra trouble free. There are adequate placements of security forces as per required plan and the Union Government is giving all assistance to state for this purpose. Helplines have also been established for the pilgrims.
Kiran Watal, president, Shri Amarnathji Yatra Welfare Society, spoke on the occasion and appealed to people to make the Yatra a great success by participating in large numbers.Watal made a special reference of recently concluded Shri Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra in Ganderbal, Kashmir and hoped that Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017 will also be conducted in the same manner.