Kashmir governor visits Amarnath, inaugurates helicopter services

Srinagar, June 28 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra Saturday paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine and inaugurated two helicopter services for pilgrims.

The governor, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the shrine and the pilgrimage, prayed for sustained peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the state, said an SASB statement.

His wife, Usha Vohra, SASB CEO Rakesh K. Gupta, and Srinagar-based 15 Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha also paid obeisance.

After his visit to the shrine early in the morning, the governor also reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrims at the Yatra Shrine Camp and conveyed the SASB's thanks to the state government, the army, central paramilitary forces, state police and all the other agencies concerned for their support and cooperation.

He stressed the need for effective supervision and round-the-clock monitoring by the camp directors and all the functionaries involved in the management of the pilgrimage for ensuring its smooth conduct.

From the cave shrine, Vohra flew to Neelgrath Helipad, near Baltal Base Camp, where he flagged-off the Neelgrath-Panjtarni helicopter services which are being operated by Global Vectra Heli Corp Ltd and Pawan Hans Ltd.

From Neelgrath, the governor proceeded to Pahalgam where he, along with Tourism Minister G.A. Mir, and Pahalgam legislator Rafi Ahmad Mir, inaugurated the Pahalgam-Panjtarni helicopter services which are being operated by Himalayan Heli Services Ltd.