Undeterred by recent incidents of terrorist violence across the Jammu region, several hundred pilgrims from different parts of the country on Thursday checked in at the Jammu-based Yatri niwas before embarking on this year's Amarnath yatra early Friday morning. The first batch of pilgrims was accorded a red carpet welcome at the base camp amid unprecedented security arrangements.
While waiting their turn at the security checkpoint before entering the base camp, 'Shiv Bhakts' chanted religious slogans 'Jai Bhole' and 'Har-Har Mahadev'.
Pilgrims appeared upbeat and applauded overall yatra arrangements at the base camp.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Raman Vishwakarma from Chattarpur in Madhya Pradesh said, "I am undertaking the yatra for the first time".
He said, "We are not worried about the recent incidents of terror attacks on pilgrims in the region. Our security forces are deployed in large numbers to protect us and ensure our safety during the yatra period".
Another pilgrim, Premlata from Jaipur said faith drives them towards the Amarnath cave shrine. "We are upbeat and have full faith in Lord Shiva. Rahul, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, performing the yatra for the seventh time said adequate arrangements have been made for the pilgrims along the yatra route. "I have no worries on my mind. I am confident the security forces deployed along the yatra route are fully equipped to ensure a smooth yatra this year".
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to flag off the first batch from Jammu in the wee hours of Friday.
He also reviewed the preparations of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra at a high-level meeting at Pahalgam. The Lt Governor discussed the deployment of police and security personnel, doctors & nursing staff, duty officers, relief and rescue teams, and sanitation staff on the Yatra routes.
“Pilgrims are the brand ambassadors of Jammu Kashmir. Greater synergy between all stakeholder departments, Police, security forces and service providers will ensure the best arrangements for the hassle-free pilgrimage,” the Lt Governor said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Army Air Defence reviewed Air Defence Security along LoC and AD deployment in Kashmir valley, to ascertain the operational preparedness.
Chinar Corps posted on X (earlier Twitter), "The Director-General commended the troops for upholding the highest standards of combat readiness, significantly boosting the morale of the troops and ensuring round-the-clock vigil".
