‘Devotees neglected all terror threats’: L-G Manoj Sinha flags off first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra, marking the formal commencement of this year's pilgrimage, from Jammu.

 

Chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' filled the air as the devotees set off on their spiritual journey.

 

L-G Sinha, who offered prayers at the Yatri Nivas base camp in Jammu before the flag-off, applauded the Amarnath Shrine Board for arranging "excellent facilities" for the yatra.

 

“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.

India