Amarnath Yatra: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday made it clear that while the elected government has ensured all essential civic arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025, the security responsibilities lie entirely with the Lieutenant Governor's administration and the Raj Bhawan.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that pilgrims visiting the region would complete their journey peacefully and safely.
Public safety is not our priority
“The state government has already taken care of all necessary civic arrangements like electricity, water supply, roads, healthcare, sanitation, food distribution, and transport. We have ensured that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during their spiritual journey,” said Abdullah.
He clearly emphasized that matters related to law and order and security are no longer within the purview of the elected government. “These responsibilities are directly under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Central Government, as the Jammu and Kashmir Police currently functions under the control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs,” he added.
Kashmir Valley Ready to Welcome Pilgrims
The Chief Minister also highlighted the welcoming spirit of the local people. He said that the entire Kashmir Valley is prepared to greet Amarnath pilgrims with warmth and respect.
He urged locals to show brotherhood and hospitality toward the visiting devotees, saying, “Kashmir is known for its traditional hospitality. This is a perfect occasion to showcase to the world our rich, inclusive, and tolerant culture.”
Yatra Begins July 3, 2025
This year’s Shri Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3, 2025. Thousands of devotees from across the country are expected to undertake the holy pilgrimage to the snow-covered cave shrine, where the natural ice formation of the sacred Shivling takes place.
To ensure a smooth and modernized experience for the pilgrims, the administration has introduced several advanced facilities, including helicopter services, digital health check-ups, GPS tracking, and high-tech surveillance systems at base camps.
Underlying Political Message in the Statement
Apart from the logistical and administrative updates, Omar Abdullah’s statement subtly reflects the ongoing debate over the roles of the State and the center in Jammu and Kashmir. By distancing his government from security responsibilities, Abdullah indirectly signaled that in the event of any security lapse or untoward incident, accountability would rest with the Lieutenant Governor and the Union Government—not the elected state leadership.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra is not just a major religious pilgrimage but also a test of security preparedness, administrative coordination, and political clarity in Jammu and Kashmir. While the elected state government has fulfilled its responsibilities by arranging all necessary civic amenities, the onus of ensuring safety now falls squarely on the shoulders of the security forces and the LG-led administration.
