Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to increase tourist influx at shrines and other religious places in the region.
During his recent visit to the Hazratbal Shrine, he interacted with spiritual leaders, Waqf officials, and administrative personnel to discuss potential solutions.
Quoting the renowned saying of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), LG Sinha emphasized the importance of a pure heart, stating, “Unless the heart is purified, the body remains impure. If the heart is clean, the entire body is clean.
Sinhahighlighted the opportunity for people from across India to visit revered shrines like Hazratbal, Charar-e-Sharief, and numerous other shrines in the Valley. LG Sinha expressed his commitment to exploring possibilities that would increase tourism in these significant religious sites.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is on par with developed states and union territories in terms of various development parameters. He recognized the role of spiritual leaders in guiding the younger generation and shaping the destiny and future of society. LG Sinha welcomed suggestions from spiritual leaders and the general public, aiming to elevate J&K to new heights of development.
LG Sinha urged community elders, religious heads, prominent citizens, and all stakeholders to unite against a small group of individuals with vested interests, who seek to disrupt peace and hinder the region’s development. He condemned their malicious attempts and called for collective efforts to defeat their nefarious designs.
During his visit to the holy Shrine, the Lieutenant Governor conducted an on-site inspection to ensure the arrangements were in place to facilitate devotees for the Eid-ul-Adha festival.
LG Sinha highlighted the longstanding traditions of communal harmony, tolerance, and respect for all religions, which have been the foundation of Indian civilization. He emphasized that it is the administration’s duty to make arrangements for every pious occasion and reaffirmed their commitment to fulfilling that responsibility.
LG Sinha, further, acknowledged the contributions of Rishi and Sufi saints in strengthening unity in diversity and promoting harmonious coexistence, which he identified as defining features of the nation. He called upon everyone to work towards peace, progress, and prosperity for all.
Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the event, LG Sinha stated that Eid-ul-Adha is a festival of love, happiness, and peace, which will further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, compassion, unity, and harmony within society.
Regarding the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival, LG Sinha assured the completion of all necessary arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned conducting detailed meetings with administrative officials and the Waqf chairperson to review aspects such as sanitation, electricity, water supply, and other essential services.
Responding to various demands, including the construction of a multi-storey parking facility at Hazratbal and road widening, LG Sinha assured the public that appropriate steps would be taken to fulfil these requirements promptly. He also pledged full government support for the development of Ziyarats and other religious places in the region.
During his visit, LG Sinha was accompanied by Dr.DarakhshanAndrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, and senior administrative officials. The event witnessed the presence of spiritual leaders, Waqf officials, senior officers from the police and civil administration, and prominent citizens.
LG proposes strategy to boost religious tourism in JK
