J-K LG review arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, expresses hope number of devotees will increase

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Jammu, Jul 1 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday evening visited the high-security Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to review the final arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, and expressed optimism about the increasing number of devotees arriving from across the country.  Amid multi-tier security cover, the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims will be flagged off by the LG on Wednesday for the twin base camps in Kashmir, marking the formal commencement of this year’s pilgrimage from Jammu.

"I have witnessed the last four yatras, and from the perspective of pilgrims and facilities, the arrangements this time are better than before. From the security point of view as well, the forces have made foolproof arrangements," Sinha told reporters during his visit to the base camp on Tuesday evening.

The LG was greeted by enthusiastic devotees chanting "Bum Bum Bhole", "Har Har Mahadev", and "Baba Barfani Ki Jai" as the atmosphere at the base camp turned devotional. He interacted with the pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

"Considering the way devotees are pouring in from across the country, I hope the numbers will increase in the coming days," he said, adding that more than 5,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Jammu.

Seeking the support of the people of Jammu and the wider region, Sinha said, "I seek the support and cooperation of the media and every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. This yatra belongs to everyone. It is not just the responsibility of the administration or security forces." Upholding the traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said he was confident that this year’s pilgrimage would be highly successful. "There will be an excellent response from every batch—just keep watching," he added.

The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 via the twin tracks—the traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewed the overall arrangements for the yatra and said that 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 Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is overseeing security around the premises.

The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the primary base camp for pilgrims arriving from across the country before they proceed to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, nestled in the majestic Himalayas of south Kashmir. PTI AB MNK MNK