National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today sought strengthening internet connectivity along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes leading up to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji in the South Kashmir Himalayas, saying that the current poor network coverage is adversely affecting real-time communication between pilgrims and their families.
In a statement issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here, Sadhotra said that a reliable and robust communication network is not just a facility, but a necessity for a pilgrimage of this scale and nature, especially given the challenging topography and unpredictable weather conditions.
"Thousands of devotees undertake this spiritually enriching journey each year, and uninterrupted mobile and internet services are crucial for their safety, mental peace, and staying connected with their loved ones," he said.
Sadhotra urged the Telecom Service Providers to ensure high quality mobile services. The concerns of the yatris in this regard must be addressed on a war footing, as they deserve uninterrupted digital connectivity throughout the Yatra route from Baltal and Pahalgam right up to the cave shrine and back so that they remain in touch with their families and access updates regarding weather and movement advisories, he added.
He said that a dependable network is imperative not only for the pilgrims' convenience but also for efficient coordination among administrative, health, and security agencies deployed en route. He said that at a time when digital infrastructure has become a basic necessity, poor connectivity can compromise both safety and the overall pilgrimage experience.
"Let us not forget that the Amarnath Yatra is not just a journey of faith but a national spiritual event that reflects rich pluralistic and devotional ethos. It is, therefore, the responsibility of all stakeholders especially the administration and service providers to ensure that the pilgrims carry back pleasant, safe, and unforgettable memories of their spiritual odyssey,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the administration for tirelessly facilitating the annual pilgrimage in a big way. Sadhotra also prayed for a successful, smooth, and hassle-free conduct of the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, expressing hope that the spirit of service and devotion would guide the efforts of all those involved in managing the Yatra.
