Urges people, yatris to visit; experience beauty
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, June 19: Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today urged people across the country to visit Kashmir saying that it is safe and secure.
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Speaking to reporters at Anantnag, the Minister said that Kashmir is safe and secure. “I urge all 140 crore Indians to visit and experience not just Kashmir’s heritage, its historical magnificence, divinity, and natural beauty – but to see Kashmir beyond that,” he said.
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“The Amarnath Yatra is completely safe. Pilgrims will not face any harm. Both the Centre and the J&K administration are fully committed to ensuring their safety,” Shekhawat said.
“At the same time, I appeal to all pilgrims and devotees visiting the region to protect the environment and natural beauty of Kashmir. Let us not litter or leave behind any garbage. It is our shared responsibility to preserve the pristine nature of this land,” he added.
The Minister said that the Centre is working for the preservation of religious and Archaeological sites across the country including J&K.
“The Central and local Governments are working together to safeguard Kashmir’s religious and archaeological sites. I have personally observed that significant work has already been done in terms of restoration and preservation, and it has been done commendably. However, these heritage sites are centuries old, and going forward, they should continue to inspire pride among Indians. To ensure this, we must work on their preservation with even greater commitment and care,” he added.
Shekhawat also visited the nearby tourist resort of Pahalgam where terrorists struck on April 22 killing 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
He said Kashmir is safe and tourists should visit the Valley not only to see its natural beauty but also its rich cultural heritage.
“Visited the majestic Martand Temple, that is a profound reflection of the glory of Kashmir’s civilisational past. Built by the legendary King Lalitaditya, this grand temple dedicated to Surya was one of the earliest and most magnificent Sun temples in India,” Shekhawat said in a post on X.
“If it looks this awe-inspiring in its weathered form, one can imagine its grandeur of yore given the temple’s scale, sculptural richness and strategic location atop a plateau overlooking the Valley,” he added.
The Minister also visited the Avanti Swami temple in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.
“An enchanted morning at the Avantipora temple complex in Kashmir today. These stones that are remains of the mighty temples once built by King Avantivarman in what was once his capital tell tales of the cultural glory of that era”.
“With the picturesque Himalayan mountains for a backdrop, these are sites that take one on a journey through time,” he said.
Shekhawat said he reviewed the tourist facilities and upkeep efforts being undertaken there along with officials of the ASI and district administration.
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