Yatris accorded warm reception on reaching Baltal Base Camp

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, from Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar, on Friday.
The pilgrims left for the twin base camps in Kashmir — north Kashmir’s Baltal and south Kashmir’s Anantnag — from Jammu amid tight security
The Lt Governor extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey.
“May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone’s life,” the Lt Governor said.
Amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras, the first batch of 4603 Yatris was flagged off for the holy Cave Shrine from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp in a cavalcade of 231 light and heavy vehicles.
Eminent spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present on the occasion.
The first batch of pilgrims was warmly received by the top district level officials and locals enroute the two base camps.
At Udhampur, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by DIG Udhampur -Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat; Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai; SSP Joginder Singh; Additional Deputy Commissioner Joginder Singh Jasrotia and other officers, prominent citizens besides a large number of local people and other officers were also present at Kali Mata Mandir Tikri.
On the occasion, Information Department Udhampur arranged a themed based cultural programme involving students of Government Higher Secondary School and Sainik Cooperative Public High School Tikri.
At Ramban, the pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome by Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary; DIG DKR Range, Shridhar Patil; SSP Anuj Kumar; ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak; ACR S. Harpal Singh and other concerned officers.
The welcoming ceremony was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including DDC Member Renuka Katoch and representatives of religious and social organizations.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the district administration has made comprehensive arrangements for the stay and security of the pilgrims. He mentioned that provisions for boarding and lodging have been put in place in case of halt of the yatra, while round-the-clock emergency medical facilities have been arranged along with the helpline counters.
Meanwhile, DIG Shridhar Patil reviewed the arrangements for the security and other facilities like sanitation, water, electricity, fire safety, and healthcare being provided to the pilgrims. He asked the concerned officers to ensure all basic and essential facilities are available for the convenience and safety of the pilgrims.
On reaching Navyug tunnel in Qazigund, the pilgrims were welcomed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Amir Khan along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal and other officials from civil and police department, besides civil society members, trade fraternity, fruit growers and other local citizens.
In a gesture of hospitality, the pilgrims was received by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, as they reached Pantha Chowk in Srinagar.
The district administration has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra. The elaborate preparations include enhanced security measures, medical facilities, and logistical support to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, DC said.
The District Administration Bandipora led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman extended rousing welcome to the first batch Yatries upon their arrival at Shadipora Transit Camp in Sumbal.
SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma and other senior officers of the district and local citizens were also present.
On reaching the Baltal Base Camp, the Yatris were warmly received. The welcome ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir; SSP Ganderbal, Sandeep Gupta; Camp Director Baltal, SDM Kangan, local communities, and other officers from Civil and police administration.
Special arrangements have been made to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of all pilgrims as they begin their sacred journey to the revered Amarnath Cave Shrine.
In line with the commitment to providing seamless support, comprehensive measures have been implemented to address the needs of the pilgrims, including medical facilities, sanitation, and round-the-clock security.
The authorities are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for all participants in this year’s Yatra.
The pilgrims appreciated the goodwill gesture of Civil and Police Administration for according them rousing reception and cooperation.

Amarnathji Yatra symbol of faith, unity: Sinha

SRINAGAR: Observing that the people feel privileged to be part of holy Amarnathji pilgrimage and contribute to make the Yatra safe and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the spiritual journey to the holy cave is the symbol of faith and unity.
“For centuries, it has been the collective responsibility of the society to make every step of this journey blissful,” the Lt Governor said while addressing an event organised by civil society, trade fraternity and citizens, in Srinagar on Friday, to welcome pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Lt Governor lauded the significant contribution of the people of Jammu Kashmir in smooth and successful conduct of the annual holy yatra.
Interacting with various stakeholders, the Lt Governor highlighted the important role of civil society groups, trade bodies and local citizens in the hassle-free pilgrimage. He urged them to come forward and welcome the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji coming from across the country and abroad. The responsibility of carrying forward the great tradition of serving pilgrims our ancestors followed with full devotion rests on the shoulders of all of you, he said.
“J&K has glorious heritage of harmony, tolerance and brotherhood. It is the land of almost all religions known to mankind. These values deeply embedded in society are expressed in this Yatra and everyone irrespective of religion and caste participates in serving the pilgrims,” the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also spoke on the arrangements made by the administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Police, Security Forces and various stakeholder departments for the safe and secure pilgrimage of the devotees.
Referring tp the Traffic management related issues, the Lt Governor said the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has been directed to take comprehensive measures to provide resolution to ease traffic congestion, especially in Srinagar.
The Lt Governor also observed that the arrangements for Muharram have already started. The administration is taking all the stakeholders onboard for Muharram, he added.
Aftab Malik, Chairman, DDC, Srinagar; Safina Baig, Chairperson, DDC Baramulla; Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi, Chairman DDC Anantnag; Nuzhat Ishfaq, Chairperson DDC Ganderbal; Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board; civil society members, representatives of various organizations and community leaders shared their inputs and extended all support and cooperation to the administration in the peaceful and smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Lt Governor assured that the valuable suggestions received from various stakeholders will be incorporated for the convenience of the yatris and the general public.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other senior officers were also present.