Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah undertook a significant visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal district on Thursday, a move aimed at meticulously assessing the arrangements for the forthcoming annual mela. This pilgrimage, drawing hundreds of devotees, primarily from the Kashmiri Pandit community, is dedicated to Ragnya Devi, affectionately known as Mata Kheer Bhawani, and is scheduled to take place at the Tulmulla shrine in central Kashmir on Monday. The Chief Minister’s inspection encompassed a thorough review of the facilities established for the expected influx of pilgrims, ensuring the seamless execution of the religious gathering.
During his visit, Abdullah also offered his respects at the temple. Addressing reporters following his inspection, he emphasized the sacred nature of the occasion and the diverse origins of the devotees who converge to seek blessings. “It is a sacred day. People come here from various parts of the country and world to pay obeisance and get blessings of the mata. I have come here in the capacity of the chief minister of J&K, and more so as the MLA of Ganderbal, to assess the arrangements and review the preparations,” Abdullah stated. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the Chief Minister engaged with the temple priests and other stakeholders, who brought forth certain concerns regarding the existing arrangements. Abdullah assured them that concerted efforts would be made to address these issues prior to the commencement of the mela on June 22.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to address queries pertaining to the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra. He clarified that the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board holds the primary responsibility for overseeing the arrangements for this significant pilgrimage, which is slated to begin this year on July 3. “The board oversees the yatra and the biggest responsibility about the smooth yatra lies with the board. However, whatever support we have to give from the government side, we are doing that,” Abdullah affirmed. He further extended an appeal to the pilgrims, urging them to offer prayers for peace and brotherhood within Jammu and Kashmir. “We hope that whether Mata Kheer Bhawani or Amamrnath yatra, the pilgrims pay obeisance and pray smoothly. We hope that when they pray, they also pray for peace and brotherhood in J&K,” he added, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering harmony.
In response to concerns raised by constituents regarding irrigation challenges faced by farmers in his constituency, the Chief Minister assured that the government was actively engaged in mitigating the crisis. He acknowledged that such issues were localized to a few areas within Ganderbal, rather than being widespread. “There are such reports from a few places, not the whole Ganderbal. Whatever can be done through canals, etc, is being done so that there is no lack of irrigation water. We thank God that it rained over the last few days and so, the water scarcity was mitigated a bit. But, I will send the Minister Javed Rana and officials to the spot wherever is needed so that whatever remains to be done, will be done,” Abdullah stated, demonstrating a proactive approach to agricultural concerns.
Addressing reports concerning the construction of Kashmiri Pandit colonies in Shopian and Pulwama, Abdullah clarified that these were designated as transit accommodations and were part of a broader initiative being implemented across various locations. “It is being built for PM package employees so that they get a good living space and work smoothly. The work started in PM Manmohan Singh’s time and is going on,” he explained, providing context on the ongoing development projects aimed at facilitating the return and integration of Pandit employees. The Chief Minister’s comprehensive visit and his statements reflect the administration’s multifaceted approach to governance, encompassing religious festivals, major pilgrimages, and the welfare of its citizens.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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