Army organises Gujjar-Bakerwal Mela in Anantnag

The Army with support from an NGO, M3M Foundation, organised the Gujjar-Bakerwal Mela at Aishmuqam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, aimed at supporting the nomadic community ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

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Dr Aishwarya Mahajan, managing trustee of M3M Foundation, said, “Discussions with the Army were going on from a long time on furthering their community initiatives in the Valley. One of them was that as soon as the Amarnath Yatra begins, facilities are needed here for the Gujjar Bakarwals who accompany pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra.”

Dr Mahajan added that the community has now been recognised with a new title. “We have renamed them as Amar Sevaks. We have given them kits named ‘Aabhar’, a token of gratitude for their hard work in these tough conditions.”

Referring to the recent attack in Pahalgam, he remarked, “Pahalgam attack was just a hurdle and we need to keep moving forward.” Earlier, Anantnag Deputy Commissioner AF Hamid conducted an inspection of the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps on Thursday to review the progress of ongoing developmental works and preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

According to the official statement, the DC reviewed critical infrastructure projects being executed by various departments, including Jal Shakti, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Roads and Buildings (R&B), and other allied agencies. He also inspected ongoing track clearance operations along the yatra route.

Special focus was laid on the readiness of essential facilities such as drinking water supply, sanitation, power supply, accommodation, and health care services.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the tourism sector has been badly affected and the administration is now focusing on ensuring a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra.