JAMMU, JUNE 27 (KMW):The annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra today started as the first batch of 1160 pilgrims left for the Holy cave Shrine in South Himalayas from the base-camp Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar amid tight security. The batch was comprised of 957 male, 187 female and 16 children.
Minister for Tourism G.A. Mir flagged off first batch consisting of 1160 pilgrims from Jammu base camp Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar at 5 AM for their onward journey to Amarnath Ji Shrine.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu, Inspector General of Police, Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Inspector General, Shakeil Ahmed Beig, Director Tourism Soujanya Sharma, SSP Jammu, Uttam Chand besides representatives of religious organizations, senior officers of CRPF and district administration were present on the occasion.
While interacting with devotees and media, Minister said that state government is committed for safe, smooth and secure conduct of yatra and sufficient arrangements have been put in place by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and district administration in this regards. He said that administration is fully geared up to provide facilities like accommodation, drinking water, electricity, security, transportation to the devotees coming from different parts of the country.
The Minister said that due to accumulation of snow at Sheshnag camp, the yatra would not be allowed by the Pahalgam route till 30th June and further decision would be taken by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) to decide the opening of Pahalgam route.
Directing all the concerned departments to ensure foolproof yatra related arrangements, the Minister passed instructions for ensuring every possible facility to make the pilgrimage pleasant experience for the devotees. He said that required assistance would be provided to yatries in case of bad weather, difficult terrain and mountainous track.
Havan/Pooja was also performed on the occasion.
Enchanting religious slogans and prayers, the pilgrims with holy bandannas tied to their foreheads left for valley for their onward journey to Shri Amarnath.
