Amidst tight security,the first batch of over 2,200 pilgrims of the annual Amarnath Yatra left the Bhagwati Nagar-base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley this morning. Advisor to the Governor in Jammu and Kashmir, K K Sharma formally flagged off the first batch after conducting a puja at the Jammu base camp around 4.30 am.
“The Yatra was flagged off today, just like the previous years all arrangements have been made for the Yatra. On behalf of the government, we went to Pahalgam and Baltal yesterday, all arrangements for the well-being of the devotees have been made all through the route between Jammu and Srinagar,” Sharma told reporters here.
He said the adequate security arrangements had been made by the government for the Yatra and hoped the locals would continue their cooperation just like they used to do in the past. “Many organizations which come from outside and the locals are satisfied with the arrangement done by the government. Adequate security measures have been made for the Yatra. We hope for the cooperation of all people concerned and pray the devotees successfully conduct the Amarnath Yatra,” Sharma further added.
.The Yatra will officially conclude on August 15 (Shravan Purnima).
CCTV cameras have been placed at several vantage points on the route.
The Home Minister also held a review meeting on security arrangements for the Yatra last Wednesday. J&K Governor Satyapal Malik was also present at the meeting.
