Tourism Minister Shekhawat visits Pahalgam attack site, hails people’s strength
Shekhawat, who also visited the ancient Martand sun temple at Mattan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, promised topmost security for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
The Union minister, who arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday morning as part of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a day ago and the two leaders held a “positive and forward-looking discussion" on the tourism sector’s development in the Union Territory.
On the second day of his official trip, Shekhawat visited the verdant tourist site at Pahalgam in Anantnag district and interacted with locals and tourists.
“A heavy heart but one filled with hope in Pahalgam this noon. Visited the site of the dastardly terror attack and interacted with locals and tourists who have brought the region back to its lively spirit and everyday rhythm," the Union minister said in a post on X.
He asserted that the “strength of the people, their unwavering hospitality, and the quiet resolve to not let fear define them. This is the real soul of Kashmir. #IncredibleIndia", and also shared a video clip of his interaction with a group of tourists.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has been badly hit after the April 22 terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.
Shekhawat offered prayers at the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tulamulla and Naranag temple complex in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal on Wednesday.
On Thursday, after visiting the Martand Sun Temple, the minister appealed to pilgrims to preserve the environment and natural beauty of the valley. “People should come for the Amarnath Yatra. The Amarnath Yatra is safe, the government of India and the state government are committed, and you will not get even a scratch," Shekhawat said after visiting the temple.
To a question on the preservation of famous historical monuments in the Valley, the Union minister said some restoration work has been carried out, but there is a need to do more.
“Those monuments that come under the Archaeological Survey of India, the organisation works for their protection, and the state government protects those assets that come under the state archaeology (department).
“I have seen that restoration work has been carried out and it has been carried out very well, but there is a need to work more earnestly on this heritage, which is centuries-old, and we are doing that, so that the people of the country take pride in their heritage in the future as well," he said.
The minister also visited the Avanti Swami temple in the 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 the district administration.
J & K