SRINAGAR: In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, stated on Wednesday that the United States is likely to retract the negative travel advisory on the Union Territory (UT) in light of the improving situation in Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Raj Bhawan Jammu after laying the E-foundation stone for the restoration of the shrine of Shiv Khori, the project has been handed over to the JSW group, which will add new facilities to the shrine, thereby increasing tourist influx.
“A few days ago, I met two officials from the United States Embassy. They expressed gratitude to me for the improved situation and stated that they could see the significant change in the Kashmir situation. I urged them that if they truly feel the change, they should assist in removing the negative travel advisory imposed on J&K by the US,” stated the LG. He further added, “The US Embassy officials assured me that they will write to their government and strongly recommend the rollback of the negative travel advisory.”
Sinha also briefed the US Embassy officials about the significant developments taking place in J&K on the tourism front post G-20 summit in Srinagar.
LG emphasised the J&K administration’s commitment to promoting pilgrim tourism in the UT. “I am pleased to announce that this year, the highest ever number of Amarnath pilgrims arrived in Kashmir in the last 13 years,” he said. The LG noted that last year, 1.88 crore tourists visited J&K, and this year, the administration hopes to see 2.25 crore tourist arrivals in the UT.
In his speech, the LG expressed appreciation for Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and MD of JSW Group, and the entire team for taking up the restoration work of Shiv Khori shrine. He highlighted that the new facilities will ease the pilgrimage and increase the influx of devotees.
“Shiv Khori is one of the most important religious sites in the country. The restoration, upgradation, and new infrastructural facilities will ensure a unique spiritual tourism circuit for devotees and provide a major boost to the economy, creating significant employment opportunities for the local population,” the LG stated. He added, “Due to inclement weather conditions, I couldn’t join the ceremony in person. I extend my best wishes to the people and the team engaged in the restoration work.”
The LG also shared the efforts of the UT Administration to strengthen the religious tourism circuit and promote the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are working towards the resolution of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi,’ where development work and growth go hand in hand,” the LG said.
He called upon civil society members, local residents, and all stakeholders to make their important contribution to the restoration of the shrine and the development of better facilities for devotees. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the extension of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board. (KNO)
