Let Amarnath pilgrims visit markets, boost Kashmir economy: CM Omar

Srinagar : Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Amarnath pilgrims should be allowed to step out of their buses and visit local markets so they can contribute to Kashmir’s economy during the annual pilgrimage.

Speaking to reporters, CM Omar as per the news agency said he hoped a large number of devotees would undertake the Amarnath Yatra, have a smooth darshan and return home safely.

He said the elected government had made all arrangements within its scope, while security, law and order and arrangements related to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board were being handled by the respective agencies.

He also appealed to pilgrims to pray for lasting peace, communal harmony and the overall well-being of Jammu and Kashmir during their visit.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal urging pilgrims to spend 10 per cent of their travel budget in Kashmir, Omar termed the suggestion a welcome step that would benefit the local economy.

“Pilgrims must be allowed to leave their buses and visit local markets and other places. Otherwise, how will they spend their money? he said, adding that restricting pilgrims to their vehicles limits their ability to contribute to the local economy.—(KNO)