Srinagar, June 18
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal district to review preparations for the annual mela scheduled for June 22.
During the visit, Abdullah inspected facilities for devotees and assessed arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual religious gathering at the revered shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani in Tulmulla. He also offered prayers at the temple.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the mela attracts devotees from across the country and abroad.
“It is a sacred day. People come here from various parts of the country and the world to pay their obeisance and receive the 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,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he met with priests and temple representatives who raised concerns about arrangements for the event. He assured them that efforts would be made to address the issues before the mela.
Abdullah also spoke about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which is set to begin on July 3. He said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board is primarily responsible for managing the pilgrimage, while the government is extending all necessary support.
“The board oversees the yatra, and the biggest responsibility for the smooth yatra lies with the board. However, whatever support we have to give from the government side, we are doing that,” he said.
Appealing to pilgrims visiting Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah expressed hope that devotees would pray for peace and communal harmony in the Union Territory.
“We hope that whether it is Mata Kheer Bhawani or Amarnath 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.
Responding to questions about irrigation concerns raised by farmers in parts of Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said the government was taking steps to address the issue. He noted that recent rainfall had helped ease water scarcity and assured that officials would be sent wherever further intervention was required.
On reports regarding Kashmiri Pandit colonies in Shopian and Pulwama, Abdullah clarified that the projects were transit accommodation facilities intended for employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s package. He said such housing projects were being developed to provide suitable living conditions and support employees working in the Valley.
The visit comes days ahead of the annual Kheer Bhawani mela, which draws large numbers of devotees, particularly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, to the historic shrine each year.
