Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): With chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoing through the air, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today morning flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
Over 3,500 pilgrims in two batches embarked on the spiritual journey towards the revered Himalayan cave shrine, marking the formal commencement of this year’s yatra.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), with multi-layered surveillance systems and personnel deployed to ensure the safety and smooth passage of yatris.
In a message on social media, LG Sinha said, “Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and a deeply soul-stirring experience. Prayed to Baba Amarnath for peace and blessings to all.”
On Tuesday, the Lieutenant Governor personally visited the Yatri Niwas to review arrangements. He inspected facilities related to food, accommodation, registration, healthcare, power and water supply, sanitation, transport, and emergency services. Interacting with devotees, he extended warm greetings and best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Earlier this week, LG Sinha had also chaired an all-party meeting to brief political leaders about the ongoing preparations. He held discussions with civil society groups, trade bodies, religious and social organisations, and led multiple high-level security reviews to assess overall readiness for the yatra(DD)
