Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, July 29: Working president of Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee and former Minister Raman Bhalla on Tuesday undertook a significant visit to the border district of Poonch, where he engaged with a broad cross-section of society, listened to public grievances, and reviewed the ongoing arrangements for the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra.
During his visit, Bhalla met with local residents, civil society members, youth, traders, and border dwellers to understand their day-to-day challenges. Issues like poor road connectivity, inadequate healthcare, lack of employment opportunities, and concerns over border security prominently featured in his interactions.
He assured the people that the Congress would continue to be their voice and raise their concerns. “Border residents have always stood as the first line of defence for the nation and have borne the brunt of cross-border hostilities with immense courage and sacrifice. Yet, they remain most neglected in terms of development and basic infrastructure,” Bhalla said.
Cong leader also paid a visit to the Dashnami Akhara, the base camp of the Budha Amarnath Yatra, where he interacted with pilgrims who had arrived from various parts of the country to pay obeisance at the ancient shrine of Mandi.
He appreciated the spiritual fervor and commitment of the devotees, and commended the local administration, Akhara management, and volunteers for their efforts in facilitating the yatra.
“The Budha Amarnath Yatra is not only a religious pilgrimage but also a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture and pluralistic ethos,” Bhalla said.
At the Dashnami Akhara, Bhalla interacted with religious heads, saints, and sewadars. He extended his gratitude to them for preserving the sanctity of the shrine and for upholding the tradition of communal harmony in the region.
Expressing concern over reports of logistical shortfalls and inadequate amenities for pilgrims, Bhalla urged the administration to make better arrangements, especially in terms of sanitation, shelter, and medical support.
He reiterated the Congress party’s demand for early restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
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