Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp, today.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and blissful journey.
“This sacred pilgrimage is a journey of faith and self-discovery. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deep soul-stirring experience,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Interacting with the media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration, people of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, and security forces have made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims.
“More than 4,500 devotees set off to the holy Cave Shrine in the first batch for the darshan of Baba Barfani today. Jammu city has come alive with a new vibrancy. The enthusiasm of pilgrims is very high.
Undeterred by terror incidents, devotees of Bhole Baba are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating their immense faith. I hope that this year’s Yatra will be even more historic than previous years,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Eminent spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present at the Flag-off ceremony.
“Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high,” he said, adding that the devotees had neglected all terror threats and reached in huge numbers.
Sinha claimed that the facilities for devotees have improved since 2022. “Both routes leading to the cave used to be six feet wide, but are now 12 feet wide. There used to be darkness on the route; now, grid connectivity has been established.”
The L-G noted that telecom connectivity has become completely prominent throughout the way and high-quality cameras have been installed for the Yatra LIVE feed.
Tight security arrangements are in place for the yatra which comes a few months after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said all necessary measures, including elaborate security arrangements, have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad.
The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 via the twin tracksthe traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.
Yatra Begins Today, LG Flags Off First Batch Of Pilgrims
