JAMMU, June 28: On Friday morning, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, ceremoniously flagged off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the base camp in Jammu. Before the departure, LG Manoj Sinha visited the temple to offer prayers, extending his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey. “May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone’s life,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
Amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras, a group of 4,603 Yatris embarked on their pilgrimage to the holy Cave Shrine from the Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp. They traveled in a convoy consisting of 231 light and heavy vehicles.
Addressing the media after the flag-off, LG Manoj Sinha remarked, “The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims has departed from Jammu. Over the last three to four years, significant arrangements have been made for the Yatra, and this year, the J&K administration has ensured all necessary arrangements and heightened security measures.”
In anticipation of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have already arrived in Jammu. The initial group will travel under high security in a convoy to reach the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal, where their pilgrimage to the Amarnath Shrine will officially begin.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including eminent spiritual leaders, heads of religious organizations, public representatives, senior officers of Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces, and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, along with prominent citizens and a large number of devotees.
BJP leader Devender Singh Rana expressed his hopes for a successful pilgrimage, stating, “We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year’s Yatra will bring happiness and a positive experience for everyone. People will receive the love, affection, and care of Jammu and Kashmir residents. Pilgrims from all over the nation will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva, fostering development across India and Jammu and Kashmir. All necessary arrangements have been made as in previous years.”
To further enhance security and manage traffic, CCTV cameras have been installed along the National Highways. Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, Saloni Rai, detailed the measures, saying, “To strengthen security, CCTV cameras have been installed on the National Highway. About ten CCTV points have been set up from Udhampur to Banihal for continuous monitoring. This will help us address any traffic-related issues immediately. Our goal is to ensure that Amarnath Yatra pilgrims have access to all necessary facilities, including food, water, and electricity.”
The comprehensive security measures and administrative arrangements underscore the importance of the Amarnath Yatra, ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all participants.