Compliments for Omar at Kheer Bhawani

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was flooded with compliments when he visited Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, where an annual mela was held today.
Kashmiri Pandits, who had come from Delhi, Jammu and other parts of the country, complimented 43-year-old Omar for the improved security situation.
"I remember till middle of 2000, we were brought here under tight security, with guarded convoys. Now the situation is different, we can come ourselves without any fear," said Mohan Lal from Jammu while Omar gave a patient hearing.
The Chief Minister told the gathering that their genuine grievances were being taken up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and also that the state government urged the Centre to increase the package for migrants willing to return and construct houses from existing Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

There were some slogans against the state government at the behest of a Kashmiri Pandit leader belonging to Opposition but these were silenced by other people who had gathered at the annual mela, which is an emblem of Kashmiriyat where Muslims provide puja material to their Pandits brothers and sisters.
"The organisation of this annual mela is extremely wonderful and I am pleased with your administration," Mata Kalyani, who visits the temple every year, told Omar.

A group of devotees led by Mata Kalyani over-powered the miscreants, who numbered less than a dozen, and forced their quick retreat.
The Pandits decried hooliganism at a religious place where people had come to seek spiritual bliss.

Nagdandi Vivekananda Mission, on the occasion, welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for making adequate arrangements.
Omar also expressed his happiness to be at the Kheer Bhawani temple as he tweeted, "Had an excellent visit to Kheer Bhavani this morning, a small rowdy fringe element notwithstanding. Met and interacted with a large number of pilgrims visiting Kheer Bhavani. Was fortunate to make an offering as well."
He posted several photographs of his interaction with the devotees at the temple.
"Ordinarily I wouldn't have posted so many pictures but they speak louder than words," he wrote.
Omar expressed satisfaction over the number of pilgrims visiting the temple without security escort.

"Biggest satisfaction was seeing large numbers of pilgrims coming in their own cars and taxis where earlier their convoys were given armed escorts," he said.