J&K Chief Minister: Civil Arrangements Complete for July 3 Amarnath Yatra

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that all civil arrangements have been put in place for the Amarnath Yatra, beginning on July 3.

The CM said this after visiting Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district.

He added that the administration's immediate focus remains on the successful conduct of the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on June 3, a religious event for the Kashmiri Pandit community.

"As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared (for the Amarnath Yatra). As far as security is concerned, due steps will be taken,” he told reporters.

The Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9.

The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, will be conducted via the twin routes of Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam.

“We will see that it goes on smoothly and the yatris return safely. This will be our effort,” the Chief Minister said.

CM Omar said that tourism in the region has taken a hit amid the prevailing tensions but ruled out immediate intervention.

“Tourism has been hit, but we are not doing anything about it for now. Let the situation return to normalcy,” he said, adding that the government will engage with tourism stakeholders once the condition stabilises.

“Once the Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully, we will start working on the revival of tourism,” he assured.

The CM also inaugurated development projects in Ganderbal and laid the foundation stones for upcoming works.