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India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
"We'll ensure no pilgrim faces trouble": Local shopkeepers enthusiastic ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Baltal (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 1 (ANI): As the Amarnath Yatra prepares to commence from July 3 via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, local shopkeepers and authorities at the Baltal base camp said on Tuesday that they are fully geared up to welcome pilgrims with necessary arrangements in place. They asserted that no pilgrim will face any issues during the Yatra. Speaking to ANI, Baltal-based shopkeeper Abdur Rehman Lone expressed enthusiasm for the pilgrimage season and said preparations are complete. 'Security and all arrangements are in place. We are prepared, and shops and markets are all set up. We are awaiting the Yatra. Our livelihood depends on this. The pilgrims should definitely come here; there are no issues here,' he said. Syed Shah, another shopkeeper at the base camp, noted that cleanliness and coordination with security forces remain a priority. 'The work is going on very welcome the Yatra, pilgrims should come here. We are standing with take special care of cleanliness and hygiene personnel are also working in good coordination,' Shah told ANI. He added, 'Our markets have been set up. There are no issues here. Vehicles, accommodation and everything else are available will not let anyone face any issues...' Meanwhile, in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, security measures have been heightened given the pilgrimage. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Doda, Ajay Anand, informed that 24/7 checking is being carried out due to the Amarnath Yatra. 'Because of the Amarnath yatra, 24/7 checking is going on. When the bus was stopped for inspection, two boys, Amzad Ali and Vikas, also known as Sunny, emerged and began to run. We have recovered a total of 22 g of drug... They both were on our radar, and after this checking, we caught them,' DSP Anand said. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary described the Amarnath Yatra as a celebration of the region's unity and brotherhood. Chaudhary reviewed the preparations for the yatra, praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their exceptional work in redeveloping the track. The Amarnath Yatra, a revered pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to begin on July 3, with thousands of devotees expected to participate. Speaking to media reporters, Deputy CM Chaudhary said, 'This yatra is a festival of J-K. The beauty of this yatra is that the base camp is in Jammu and the shrine of Baba Amarnath is in Kashmir. This is the brotherhood of Jammu and Kashmir, which the world knows... I had come here to chair the review meeting of the yatra that starts on 3 July. I saw the track... It gives me immense pleasure to tell you that BRO has done an exemplary job at redeveloping the track.' 'The working days in Kashmir are extremely few, and now, when the Yatra begins, work will again stop... The state government and the shrine board are managing the yatra,' Chaudhary said. The 38-day yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9. The pilgrimage will follow two routes - the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Amarnath Yatra reflects unity, brotherhood of J-K": Dy CM Surinder Chaudhary
Sonamarg (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 1(ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary on Tuesday described the Amarnath Yatra as a celebration of the region's unity and brotherhood. Chaudhary reviewed the preparations for the yatra, praising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their exceptional work in redeveloping the track. The Amarnath Yatra, a revered pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to begin on July 3, with thousands of devotees expected to participate. Speaking to media reporters, Deputy CM Chaudhary said, 'This yatra is a festival of J-K. The beauty of this yatra is that the base camp is in Jammu and the shrine of Baba Amarnath is in Kashmir. This is the brotherhood of Jammu and Kashmir, which the world knows... I had come here to chair the review meeting of the yatra that starts on 3 July. I saw the track... It gives me immense pleasure to tell you that BRO has done an exemplary job at redeveloping the track.' The 38-day yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9. The pilgrimage will follow two routes - the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. 'The working days in Kashmir are extremely few, and now, when the Yatra begins, work will again stop... The state government and the shrine board are managing the yatra...' Apart from discussing the Yatra, Chaudhary also reiterated the Jammu and Kashmir administration's firm demand for the restoration of statehood.'Statehood leke rahenge. Chheen ke rahenge. Bilkul nahi rukenge,' he said. Meanwhile, on Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Baltal base camp to review necessary arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Sinha met with officials from all departments to review security, logistics, and coordination for this year's Amarnath Yatra. He also said that the administration and security forces have made better arrangements this year to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees from across the country. Speaking to the reporters, Sinha said, 'Officials from all departments were present in the meeting here administration and the Shrine Board have together made better arrangements. The security forces have made very robust security arrangements. I hope that this time, people will be able to undertake the yatra even more successfully than before, and the devotees coming from all over the country will have a better experience here...' Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke on the necessary arrangements facilitated for the pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra. He further stated that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha chaired two meetings ahead of the pilgrimage, one with the political parties and one with the civil society to ensure proper facilities for pilgrims. (ANI)
NDTV
24-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Urges Global Peace Amid Iran-Israel Tensions
Kalaburagi: Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday stressed the need for global peace and called on all nations to refrain from interfering in the affairs of "sovereign and democratic" countries. Emphasising India's longstanding ties with Iran, Mr Kharge noted that the country has consistently supported India in difficult times, including at international forums such as the United Nations on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Mr Kharge said, "We want peace in the world. Iran is our neighbour and always stands with us in tough times. We have trade relations with Iran, and we import crude oil from them. When the question of J-K was raised in the UNO, Iran took our side. We want Iran not to suffer. Any country that wants to be at peace shouldn't be interfered with... We don't want any country to attack any sovereign, democratic country... Be it Israel, Iran, or the US, they shouldn't attack any sovereign, independent country. It's happening there today; it will happen somewhere else tomorrow. India has always been with those who want to be at peace." Earlier today, Congress MP Imran Masood emphasised that India must support Iran amidst its conflict with Israel, as it is one of India's old friends. He mentioned that India has "cultural" and "trade" relations with Iran, and the country should stand with them as it has stood with India in every possible manner. "We should stand with Iran. Iran is an old friend of ours. We have trade relations and cultural ties with we should stand with Iran firmly. Iran has always supported us in every way. So, we should be seen standing with Iran in these difficult times", Imran Masood said. Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13 when Israel launched Operation "Rising Lion," targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes. Earlier in the day, Reza Pahlavi, former Crown Prince of Iran, sought a "regime change" in Tehran, saying the current "regime is defeated, teetering on the edge of collapse, and must not be allowed to continue" and that "time has come to end this ruin and begin a new era for Iran." Reza Pahlavi's latest remarks came after the US joined the conflict between Israel and Iran and bombed Iran's three underground nuclear facilities. The situation escalated further after the United States joined the conflict and launched Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities -- Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan -- in the early hours of Sunday. Later on Monday, Iran launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar--the largest US military installation in the region, CNN reported. The move is expected to be a retaliatory move by Iran after the US's airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in the early hours of Sunday.
India.com
21-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Will Go To Supreme Court If Statehood Is Not Restored: Farooq Abdullah
Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, addressing the media, made several key statements during his visit to Pahalgam. His remarks focused on two major issues- the restoration of the statehood of J&K and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Abdullah reiterated the National Conference's demand for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising that it has been eight months since the formation of the state government. He expressed hope that restoring statehood would also bring essential administrative powers for effective governance. J-K's former CM warned that if there are 'unnecessary delays' in restoring statehood, the National Conference would have no option but to approach the Supreme Court to press for their constitutional right. Abdullah said, 'We are committed to a democratic and peaceful struggle, but at the same time, we will not stay silent if our basic political rights continue to be denied.' He also highlighted that statehood is not a concession but a constitutional right, referencing promises made in Parliament and by the top court. Middle-East Conflict Talking about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Abdullah called for peace and urged global leaders, specifically mentioning United States President Donald Trump, to advocate for dialogue. He stated, 'I pray that God gives wisdom to both Iran and Israel. Trump should talk about peace. This conflict can only be solved with peace.' His comments came in the context of recent Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and Iranian missile attacks on Israel, reflecting his concern about the potential for broader regional conflict. These statements were made while speaking to reporters in Pahalgam, Anantnag. Abdullah's remarks align with his party's ongoing advocacy for Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and his broader call for diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Talks with Pakistan only on terrorism, PoK, says Rajnath Singh after meeting soldiers in Srinagar
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that any talks with Pakistan will only be on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ( PoK ). The defence minister, who is here on his first visit to Kashmir after Operation Sindoor , said India will soon eradicate terrorism from the region with the help of the armed forces. "Had a wonderful interaction with the brave Indian Army soldiers at the Badami Bagh Cantt in Srinagar. PM Shri @narendramodi has redefined India's policy against terrorism, and any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war. "Terrorism and talks cannot go together; talks with Pakistan will only be held on terrorism and PoK. Operation Sindoor was a commitment demonstrated by India of not just carrying out defence, but taking bold decisions whenever needed," Singh posted on X after interacting with soldiers at the Badami Bagh Cantonment here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Férias chegando? Azul Compre já Undo The government and the country's people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces at every step, in every situation, he said. Singh also exuded confidence that with the cooperation of the military, India will soon eradicate terrorism from the region, "so that no one dares to cast an evil eye on the sovereignty of the nation". Live Events During his visit, the defence minister paid homage to the civilians killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, and the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country following Operation Sindoor. He also commended the courage of the injured soldiers and wished for their speedy recovery. Expressing gratitude to the soldiers for the cross-border strikes, Singh said, "I come here today with a message from the people of India -- 'we are proud of our forces'." He also reiterated the government's commitment to continue equipping the forces with advanced weapons, platforms and modern infrastructure. "Our government has ensured that our forces are prepared for every situation. Many new-generation equipment, such as modern rifles, missile defence shields and drones, are being rapidly manufactured in India. "Connectivity has been ensured along the LoC (Line of Control) and the LAC (Line of Actual Control) like never before. The government is trying to serve the soldiers for the devotion and readiness with which they serve the country," Singh said. J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Singh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials of the Indian Army were present during the interaction at the Badami Bagh Cantt.
