Amarnath Yatra: First Batch Of Yatris Gets Warm Welcome In Kashmir, Northern Army Commander Reviews Security

The first batch of the annual Amarnath Yatra, consisting of 4,603 pilgrims, reached the Kashmir valley on Friday amidst stringent security arrangements. Flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp early in the morning, the pilgrim convoys received a rousing welcome from the administration and local residents as they made their way to the valley. Upon their arrival, the yatris were greeted with garlands in Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and Bandipora districts.

In a heartening display of communal harmony, local Muslims joined senior police and civil administration officials to welcome the yatris at various points along their journey, news agency PTI reported.

"The pilgrims reached the valley through the Navyug tunnel in Qazigund area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, travelling in a cavalcade of 231 light and heavy vehicles," officials said, as quoted by PTI. Kulgam Deputy Commissioner (DC) Athar Aamir Khan, SSP Kulgam, and members of civil society, trade fraternity, fruit growers, and market associations were present to welcome them.

"We welcome all of them. There are proper arrangements in place for them," Khan told reporters.

The 52-day pilgrimage will commence from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal on Saturday and will conclude on August 19.

As the pilgrim convoys made their way to the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam, they were welcomed with enthusiasm. "Pilgrims taking the Pahalgam route were greeted at Anantnag by Deputy Commissioner Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid and other officials. Those on the Baltal axis received a warm welcome at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar by Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat and local residents," officials noted, as per PTI.

The convoys continued to receive rousing receptions, including in Bandipora, where they were greeted with great enthusiasm.

Earlier on Friday morning, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu. Amid chants of "Bum Bum Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev," Sinha extended his best wishes to the pilgrims, saying, "May the blessings of Baba Amarnath ji bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone's life."

Comprehensive arrangements, including three-tier security, area dominations, elaborate route deployment, and checkpoints, have been implemented to ensure a smooth yatra, a senior official told PTI. Traffic restrictions will be in place on various routes from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimise inconvenience.

According to reports, more than 3.50 lakh people have registered for this year's yatra. As many as 125 community kitchens (langars) have been set up along the two routes to the cave shrine, supported by over 6,000 volunteers.

Northern Army Commander Reviews Security

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar reviewed the operational readiness and security measures in place for the yatra. Accompanied by GOC Chinar Corps Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Kumar visited Baramulla district to assess the preparations by the Army's Dagger Division, as per a post by the Northern Army Command's X handle.

The Army Commander commended the troops for successfully foiling infiltration bids along the Line of Control and urged them to remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation.

J&K LG Sinha Hails Amarnath Yatra As Symbol of Faith and Unity

Describing the Amarnath Yatra as a symbol of faith and unity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, "People feel privileged to be part of the holy pilgrimage and contributing to making the journey safe and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience."

Speaking at an event organised by civil society, trade fraternity, and citizens at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar to welcome the pilgrims, Sinha highlighted the collective responsibility to ensure the journey is blissful. "Jammu and Kashmir has a glorious heritage of harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood. These values are expressed in this yatra, with everyone, irrespective of religion and caste, participating in serving the pilgrims," he remarked, as quoted by PTI.