Srinagar: Governor Satya Pal Malik visited Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla, Ganderbal on the occasion of “Mela Mata Kheer Bhawani” today.
Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Advisor to Governor; Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh. Hashmat Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Sh. Khalil Poswal, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, representatives of Dharmarth Trust and several members of Kashmiri Pandit community received Governor on his arrival at the Shrine.
Governor was briefed by Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and other concerned officers about the arrangements made by the District Administration and the Dharmarth Trust for the pilgrims.
Welcoming the devotees who have come from all across the country, Governor expressed happiness that a large number of them have come to the Shrine this year. He observed that the State Administration is making every effort to enhance facilities for the pilgrims to make their stay comfortable here.
Governor observed that J&K is known for its values of brotherhood and communal harmony which is so evident here where all communities have gathered to facilitate the organisation of this ‘Mela’. He appreciated the whole hearted support of locals in making this religious congregation a successful event.
Governor on the occasion prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.
Separately the Advisor to Governor K Skandan also visited Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine and paid obeisance. He also reviewed the arrangements and interacted with devotees.
During his visit, the Advisor was also accompanied by Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Tej Krishan Bhat and other concerned.
The Advisor prayed for the peace, prosperity and stability of the State and its people. Terming the occasion as ‘blessing for humanity’, the Advisor said the annual Mela is living example of brotherhood and communal harmony that has remained intact for centuries. He also appreciated the locals who received their Pandit brethren with love, affection and reverence.
During his visit, the Advisor went around the shrine complex, took stock of arrangements, reviewed the facilities and met with devotees.
During the occasion, the Kashmiri Pandit devotees appreciated the arrangements made by the State Government.
Expressing his satisfaction over the arrangements, Skandan said that the government is committed for well being of all the people in the State. The devotees apprised the Advisor of various issues including the construction of separate toilets for the devotees, upgrading and expanding the infrastructure for serving the increasing number of devotees. The Advisor gave them a patient hearing and assured that all of their genuine issued would be resolved by the State Government in a time-bound manner.