Latest news with #RavinderRaina
India Gazette
02-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Welcomed pilgrims in traditional way," BJP's Ravinder Raina after first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims reaches Kulgam
Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 2 (ANI): BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are warmly welcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in a traditional manner, holding a 'Kangri' as part of the greeting. Speaking to ANI, Ravinder Raina said, 'Shri Amarnath Yatra has reached the Kashmir Valley. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have welcomed the pilgrims. We are welcoming the pilgrims in a traditional way, holding this 'Kangri'.' DM Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, said everyone is happy to welcome the yatris to the Valley. 'People from civil society, traders associations, apple growers and Administration have come here to welcome the yatris. We are very happy to welcome all the pilgrims to J&K,' Khan said. The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was warmly welcomed in Qazigund, Kulgam, with flowers. People from civil society, traders, apple growers, and the administration also joined in the traditional welcome. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Banihal. Chaudhary said the region is witnessing a festival-like atmosphere, with people from all communities warmly welcoming pilgrims. Expressing hope for the restoration of statehood, he said, 'We will pray to Lord Bhola Shankar that next time we welcome these pilgrims to the state of J&K, not to a UT...' He praised the efforts of security forces and the administration and called the Omar Abdullah-led government patriotic and committed to national unity. '...We are here to welcome the pilgrims. The Security Forces and the Administration are fulfilling their responsibilities. Today, we can see a festival-like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. People from all communities are welcoming pilgrims here. We have heard that LG sahib has prayed for J&K to be granted statehood Abdullah's government is a patriotic government, and we always take steps to strengthen the nation.' 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. Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Over 50,000 personnel, including those from the CRPF, Army, and Police, have been deployed, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drones, jammers, and facial recognition technology, along the route. Proper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure maximum safety during the pilgrimage. (ANI)
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Indian embassy in Iran in touch with students to ensure safety, relocation amid Israel conflict
The Indian embassy in Iran has said that it is continuously monitoring the situation and engaging with Indian students to ensure their safety and relocation amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement by the Ministry of External Affairs read, 'The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety.' 'In some cases, students are being relocated with Embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran. Other feasible options are also under examination. Further updates will follow. Separately, the Embassy is in touch with community leaders regarding welfare and safety,' it added. Earlier, former president of Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit Ravinder Raina said that the Centre is taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of students and businessmen from his state. On Sunday, the Indian embassies in Israel and Iran issued an advisory to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to stay in touch with the office, and provided a list of emergency contact numbers on X (formerly Twitter). People were also advised to stay in touch with the embassy on social media. On the same day, Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi said that an Israeli strike hit Hujat Dost Ali hostel in Tehran, housing several Kashmiri students. He said that some students sustained minor injuries. The J-K National Conference leader said he wrote to External Affair Minister S Jaishankar, 'urging their relocation within Iran or evacuation once the airspace opens.' Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also said he spoke to the Jaishankar who assured him that necessary steps were being taken in this regard. On the other hand, citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Portugal, the Philippines and Finland have crossed the Astara border checkpoint and headed to the airport in Azerbaijan's capital, according to media reports. New Delhi and Baku are amid a diplomatic rift following the latter's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The conflict between Islamic regime and Israel has entered its fourth day with a wave of Iranian missiles breaching Israel's Iron Dome and hitting Tel Aviv and Haifa, among other cities. The direct confrontation between the two countries was triggered by airstrikes under the umbrella of Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13, which targeted Iranian nuclear and defence installations and crippled Iran's military chain of command by killing key officials.
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Centre taking necessary steps for safety of J-K students, traders stranded in Iran: BJP's Ravinder Raina
The Centre has taken necessary steps to ensure safety and security of students and businessmen from Jammu and Kashmir stranded in Iran, BJP leader Ravinder Raina asserted on Monday. Raina, a former president of J-K BJP unit, said many students and their parents have contacted him and he wanted to assure them that they would not be allowed to face any problem and if there is a need, they will be safely evacuated. 'We are very much concerned about the safety and security of our students studying in Iran. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already taken steps to ensure safety of the Indian students and the traders stranded there,' the BJP leader said. He said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in constant touch with the government of Iran and the Indian High Commission is also looking after this issue seriously. 'Many of our students in Iran and parents contacted me and I assure them and also the businessmen that the Government of India will not let them face any kind of problem. They are our children and the children of our country,' he said. He said it is the duty of the government to protect them and take care of their security. 'Our prime minister has said that in case of need, they will be brought back to the country,' Rana said. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he spoke to the External Affairs Minister regarding students from the Union Territory and was assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure safety of all Indian students. Indian nationals in Iran were on Sunday asked to exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran through its social media accounts in view of the current situation in the country following the launch of strikes by Israel. Israel on Friday last had launched Operation Rising Lion to strike at Iran's nuclear, missile and military complex. The strikes left key military commanders and nuclear scientists dead. Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Come to JK for Amarnath Yatra without fear, worries," urges BJP leader Ravinder Raina
Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 11 (ANI): BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Wednesday urged pilgrims to turn up in large numbers and participate in the annual Amarnath yatra without any hesitation and fears. Speaking to ANI ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, Ravinder Raina said, 'The Amarnath Yatra is going to begin in the coming days. I appeal to all devotees of Amarnath Barfani to come to Kashmir without any hesitation. Khule dil se, bekhauf hokar, nishchint hokar, Amarnath yatra ke liye Kashmir aaiye (Come to Kashmir for Amarnath Yatra with an open heart, without fear and worries).' 'The valley is waiting for its Shiv devotees. This is the Kashmir that has always contributed wholeheartedly to the success of the Amarnath Yatra,' Raina added. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'Pratham Puja' at the holy cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra. 'Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'Pratham Puja' at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,' posted LG Sinha on X. The Jammu and Kashmir LG urged devotees to turn out in large numbers and come to offer prayers at the holy shrine during the Amarnath Yatra. 'I request all the devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers for the Holy Yatra and pray to Mahadev for the progress of J&K and the nation. SASB and Admin have improved the pilgrims' facilities. JKP, Army, CRPF, CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements,' said LG Sinha. Earlier in the day, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) performed puja for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra at the Tawi riverfront on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. On Tuesday, a high-level security meeting chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, IPS, was held to review preparations and strategise for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, 2025, officials said. The meeting was attended by Additional SP Udhampur, SDPOs, DySPs, and SHOs from Udhampur, Majalta, Rehambal, and Chenani, along with other officers involved in the Yatra arrangements. The discussions centred on key aspects such as security arrangements, intelligence sharing, traffic management, medical aid, emergency response, and logistical support. Special focus was laid on anti-narcotics operations. SSP Nagpure directed all officers to remain vigilant and conduct proactive drives to dismantle narco networks operating in the region. He also instructed officers to maintain a high level of alertness and operational readiness throughout the Yatra. Regular review meetings, briefing sessions, and mock drills were stressed to ensure the flawless implementation of all plans and protocols, officials said. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,888 meters in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K). The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to represent Lord Shiva, and draws lakhs of devotees every year. The Yatra is typically held during the Shravan month (July to August) as per the Hindu calendar, under the supervision of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and with coordinated support from security and civil administration. (ANI)
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bid to revive J&K tourism: BJP leader plays cricket in Pahalgam; watch video
Screengrab PTI NEW DELHI: Jammu & Kashmir BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Tuesday played cricket with Pahalgam locals in a bid to revive normalcy in the Valley, which witnessed a sharp decline in tourism after the April 22 terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow. In the clip, the BJP leader was seen bowling and batting with the local kids of the Valley. The efforts are being made from several quarters to revive tourism in Kashmir as travel agents from across the country will converge in Kashmir this weekend to boost tourism in the Valley. The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), which is one of the country's biggest umbrella organisations for agents with over 1,600 members, will be holding its meeting in Srinagar and Pahalgam from June 13-16 to instil confidence among the fraternity. Srinagar hotels and flights commanded a big premium before the Pahalgam attack as Kashmir was seeing unprecedented tourist footfalls post Covid. But after the April 22 attack, tourists already there left Kashmir in droves and those who had plans to visit cancelled the same. J&K is currently focussed on ensuring a safe Amarnath Yatra as they hope that will send out a message that tourists can return to Kashmir. The yatra duration has been curtailed to 38 days, instead of 52 days in 2024, and will be on between July 3 and August 9, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Address of Pride – Signature Global SPR Signature Global Book Now Undo A total of 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces, along with personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes to ensure safety of the lakhs of pilgrims. The tourism industry in Kashmir has been badly hit since Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack sent a shockwave across the nation, prompting the government to take kinetic action against terror camps deep into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The Indian forces, in a big action, destroyed the terror camps of Jaish and Lashkar located in Pakistan's Bahawalpur and Muridke.
