Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar-base camp in Jammu this morning. Before flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Mr Sinha also offered prayers at the temple.

The annual pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir Valley will commence tomorrow from Pahalgam and Baltal tracks in Kashmir Valley.

Talking to media after flagging off the first batch this morning, the Lieutenant Governor said, in the past three-four years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the pilgrimage. He said, this time also Jammu and Kashmir administration has made all the necessary arrangements and security has been heightened.

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims reached Jammu. The first batch will travel in high security in a convoy and reach Pahalgam and Baltal base camp where they will start their Amarnath Yatra. The CCTVs have also been installed on National Highways to strengthen the security and address the traffic related issues.

Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reviewed the preparations for the annual pilgrimage at a high level meeting at Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor discussed the deployment of police and security personnel, Doctors and other required staff on the Yatra routes. The Governor was informed that substantial improvements have been made in terms of facilities for the safe and smooth pilgrimage. Later, the Lieutenant Governor took stock of the facilities in place for the pilgrims at Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain also visited the base camps at Baltal in Kashmir and at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu. He also visited Chanderkot in Ramban to assess the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the holy pilgrimage. He directed the officials to strictly adhere to the devised plans and maintain a high vigil throughout the pilgrimage.