Ahead of the official commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary visited the sacred Amarnath cave on Tuesday to offer prayers. The visit, just days before the annual pilgrimage begins on July 3, underlines the spiritual and political significance of the Yatra for the region.
After paying obeisance at the shrine, Chaudhary told media personnel that the Amarnath Yatra is not just a religious pilgrimage but a cultural and spiritual symbol of unity. “This Yatra is a celebration of brotherhood that connects Jammu and Kashmir. While the base camp lies in Jammu, the holy cave is in Kashmir, beautifully reflecting our region’s unity and diversity,” he said.
Chaudhary praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their efficient completion of the Baltal-to-holy cave track. “Despite the limited working window due to harsh weather, BRO’s efforts are commendable. I personally reviewed the track, and I am satisfied with the progress,” he added.
Later, the Deputy CM chaired a high-level review meeting in Sonamarg to assess the readiness of infrastructure, safety, and facilities for pilgrims. The meeting included officials from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Union Territory administration, and departments like Power Development (PDD), Jal Shakti, and Rural Development, all of which are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth Yatra experience.
Referring to recent incidents that impacted tourism, Chaudhary said, “We hope this Yatra brings back positivity and tourism to Kashmir, especially after the unfortunate attacks in Baisaran and Pahalgam. I appeal to all devotees to experience the unparalleled hospitality of Kashmiris and become messengers of peace and unity.”
Chaudhary also emphasized promoting local economy and artisanship. “We must support our local artisans by providing them designated spaces along the Yatra route to display and sell their traditional crafts. This is essential for sustainable development,” he noted.
Making a bold political assertion, Chaudhary reiterated his party’s unwavering demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood leke rahenge, chheen ke rahenge. Bilkul nahi rukenge,” he declared during his interaction, signaling a clear stance on the long-standing political aspiration of the region.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 is scheduled to conclude on August 19. With lakhs of pilgrims expected to undertake the arduous trek through the Himalayas, security and logistical arrangements have been scaled up significantly.
Officials assure that round-the-clock monitoring, improved road connectivity, medical camps, and better accommodation facilities are all in place to provide a safe and spiritual journey for devotees.
As the countdown to the Yatra begins, Deputy CM Chaudhary’s visit has boosted both administrative confidence and public morale, with a strong message of unity, resilience, and regional pride.
