Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 12: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Monday urged the Government and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to give priority to local youth, traders and small service providers in all services and contracts related to the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Addressing mediapersons, party's J&K chief Manish Sahni said that the Amarnath Yatra is not only a matter of faith but also a lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir's economy. Thousands of families associated with tourism, transport, hotels, horse services, pithu, palki, tent businesses and small trade depend on the annual pilgrimage for their livelihood.
He said that after "Operation Sindoor", the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir suffered heavy losses. Businesses related to hotels, taxis, houseboats, local markets and small traders were badly affected. In such circumstances, the Amarnath Yatra can play a major role in reviving the local economy and restoring livelihoods.
Sahni demanded that a clear priority policy be implemented for local people while issuing tenders, permits and temporary licenses related to the Yatra. He said that contracts related to horse services, pithu, palki, tents, transport, camps and other facilities should not be monopolized by a single big contractor or outside agency. Instead, the work should be distributed transparently and fairly among local youth, small contractors and service providers so that the economic benefits of the Yatra reach thousands of local families rather than a few selected individuals.
He further said that for the past several years, small traders and local contractors have repeatedly complained that they are being ignored while major contracts are handed over to large contractors. "This system must change, as the first right over Yatra-related economic opportunities belongs to the local people whose livelihoods are directly linked with the pilgrimage," he added.
Sahni said that even during difficult times and periods of terrorism, local residents played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. Therefore, the Government and the Shrine Board must safeguard the interests of local stakeholders.
He also demanded that Jammu should not be treated merely as a "transit point" for pilgrims, but should be developed as a major religious and tourism destination so that devotees spend more time in the region, benefiting local trade and tourism.
Protect the Holy Ice Lingam of Baba Barfani
Expressing concern over the early melting of the holy ice lingam during the Yatra period, Sahni said that excessive crowding and unnecessary interference inside the cave shrine affect the natural environment. He urged the authorities to ensure scientific management and regulated crowd control so that the holy form of Baba Barfani remains protected throughout the Yatra period.
No Crisis in Langar Services
The party also raised the issue of gas supply problems being faced by langar organizations. Shiv Sena demanded that the administration should ensure uninterrupted gas supply and grant special permission for the use of domestic LPG cylinders so that no disruption occurs in langar services for pilgrims. On this occasion Vikas Bakshi, Sanjeev Kohli, Rah Singh, Raju Kapoor, Sanjay Bhatt, Aditya Mahajan were present. |
