Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday, along with Working President Raman Bhalla, dedicated a boat facility for devotees visiting the revered Baba Bhair Devta shrine in the Jammu East Assembly constituency on Sunday.
The boat was presented at Main Chowk Katal Batal near Nagrota in the presence of former Minister and former MLA Jammu East Yogesh Sawhney, JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma and senior leader Hari Singh Chib.
The facility has been arranged by Yogesh Sawhney to assist local residents and devotees after the bridge connecting Bhaid Dev Sarhan and nearby villages was washed away in devastating floods last year, causing major inconvenience to the public.
Several Youth Congress leaders and local representatives were also present on the occasion, including PYC State General Secretary Anirudh Sawhney, PYC State Secretary Vijayant Pathania, Suhaib Manhas and District Youth Congress Jammu Urban General Secretary Faizan Malik.
The boat will facilitate safer and easier passage for devotees visiting the Baba Bhair Devta shrine and for local residents who frequently face difficulties commuting across the area.
Local residents and devotees present at the event welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Congress leadership, particularly Yogesh Sawhney, for responding to their long-standing demand. They said the arrangement would significantly ease movement, especially during peak days when large numbers of devotees visit the shrine.
Speaking on the occasion, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra said the Congress party remains committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the people and standing with them in every situation. He said initiatives like these reflect the party’s dedication to public service and grassroots engagement.
Karra said devotees and residents had been facing inconvenience for a considerable period, and it was encouraging that their concerns were addressed through the efforts of Yogesh Sawhney. He added that public representatives must ensure that commitments made to the people are fulfilled in a timely manner, as trust between the public and their leaders is built through consistent action.
He further said the party remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, improving access to religious and cultural sites, and resolving the everyday difficulties faced by citizens through responsible governance and collective effort.
Working President Raman Bhalla also addressed the gathering and said the Congress party has always believed in working closely with the people and responding to their needs with sincerity.
He said the boat facility is a meaningful step that will benefit both devotees visiting the shrine and residents of the surrounding areas. Bhalla added that religious and cultural places hold immense importance in people’s lives, and adequate facilities must be ensured so that devotees can visit such places without inconvenience.
Bhalla appreciated the efforts made in arranging the facility and said such initiatives reflect a strong sense of responsibility towards the welfare of the community. He added that the Congress leadership will continue to stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and work for inclusive development across all sections of society.
