Pakistan desperate to disrupt Amarnath Yatra: Dy CM

Jammu, July 6

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Simgh claimed on Monday that the recent infiltration attempts across the border were Pakistan’s attempts to disrupt the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in the state.

"The Pakistan side is desperate to attack Amarnath Yatra and Vishno Devi Yatra, in the wake of the tightened security in the state and the tough stand of the Central government," Singh, who was addressing party workers at a function held on Monday, said, adding that not only are the Pakistan army and the ISI have been conducting “anti-India activities” but the intention of the incumbent government is Pakistan is also unclear.

He also implied that not all was well with the coalition government in the state: the leader admitted to the differences that cropped in the government, the most recent divide being over the draconian AFSPA, and added that the BJP would not hesitate to pull out of the government if they find it difficult to continue with the alliance.

"Problems do arise as we have our own agenda and our ruling partner (PDP) has a different agenda. The second the party (BJP) feels that it has become difficult to continue (in the coalition), we will not stay in power," he said.

The leader claimed that the BJP has "set a level playing field with the coalition partner and the party would soon start delivering to the people of Jammu" since the formation of the state government four months ago.

He also dismissed reports that the government continued to neglect Jammu and Ladakh regions of state, claiming that this government has, in fact, put an end to such bias.

“For the first time that a Kashmir based Chief Minister himself went to Baltal to take stock of the arrangements being made for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The government was working towards making Jammu an independent tourist destination and it has already begun developing several places in the region. Work on developing the artificial lake in Jammu is ongoing and will soon be completed," he said.

He hoped the central government would soon make an announcement to set up an AIIMS in Jammu.

"Some people launched an agitation for AIIMS recently, but we are hopeful that the central government will make an announcement of setting up of AIIMS in Jammu soon. The announcement will be made soon as it is the commitment of the central government," he said.

Singh also criticised Congress as well its alliance partner, the National Conference, for not setting up the institute in the state.

"What was Ghulam Nabi Azad doing when he was the Union health minister?" he said. 

Sixth batch of leaves for Amarnath

A batch of 2,128 pilgrims left for Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayan area from the base camp amid tight security on Monday.

The batch —1,562 men, 399 women, 20 children and 147 sadhus — left in a cavalcade of 59 vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar base camp here at 5:00 am and would reach its destination, the Baltal and Pahalgam, base camps by evening, a police official said. — PTI