New Delhi, July 02, 2015: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the holy cave shrine early this morning at the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which began today, and took stock of the security situation and inspected the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Mr Singh, who paid obeisance at the shrine and had “darshan” of the Shiv Lingam, said he was satisfied with the feedback from the pilgrims there, who expressed happiness over the arrangements.
He expressed satisfaction over the security andother arrangements put in place by the Jammu & Kashmir government and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra.
He reiterated his commitment to extend all support, assistance and encouragement to the Jammu & Kashmir Government to make the Amarnath Yatra safer, secure and eco-friendly. He complimented the State Government for taking excellent measures for the comfort of pilgrims.
Mr Singh also met J& K Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar and had extensive discussions about issues relating to external and internal security management. They also discussed matters relating to relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.
Speaking to the media, Mr Singh reiterated the Centre’s commitment to extend all support and assistance to the victims of the September 2014 flood. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to see J&K as a fully rehabilitated and prosperous state.
He said the Centre was ready to listen to all those with grievances and issues. However, he unequivocally rejected violent and anti-national activities.
Mr Singh expressed the hope that improvement in overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir will lead to a point where there will be no requirement for the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
The Minister said India was committed to maintaining cordial and friendly relations with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries while expressing the hope that Pakistan would respond positively.
He said that, as of now, there was no proposal for any talks with the separatist Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir.
Before leaving for Delhi, Mr Singh visited the Dargah Hazratbal Shrine and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State.