The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will flag off the first batch of Shri Amarnath pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar based Yatri Niwas here on Wednesday, officials said on Tuesday.
However, tight security arrangements are made for the safety and security of the pilgrims at the yatri niwas and en route the cave shrine.
“LG Manoj Sinha will flag off the first batch early morning on Wednesday from Yatri Niwas,” said an official.
He said that all arrangements, basic facilities are also in place for the pilgrims.
Notably, Shri Amarnath Yatra is being organised this year from twin Chandanwari and Baltal routes after remaining suspended due to Covid pandemic in 2020-21 and in August 2019 in view of revocation of Art 370.
The 43 days Yatra will conclude on August 11 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Sinha, who is also the chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on Monday also visited the Yatri Niwas and took stock of preparations for the yatra.
Sinha said that people of both the regions of the Union Territory are enthusiastic to welcome the pilgrims while the Security Forces are on alert for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath pilgrimage.
“Lakhs of families had to face financial hardship since Shri Amarnath Yatra could not be held for the last two years due to Covid pandemic,” Sinha told reporters after taking a review of the Yatra arrangements at the Yatri Niwas.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm in the people of Jammu region and in Kashmir too this year and I see the local people are also ready to welcome the visiting pilgrims,” said Sinha.
He added, “The security forces are alert and have made adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of Yatra, besides it has been our endeavor to make the best arrangements this year.”
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Police have also issued special stickers for pasting them on vehicles ferrying pilgrims and no vehicle without HSRP will be allowed to proceed on the highway towards the cave shrine.
“The officials have to verify documents of the vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims, following which a special striker issued and pasted on the windscreen to avoid any other check throughout the journey route,” said a police official.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration have also barred non HSRP vehicles from carrying pilgrims.
“In past we have seen many vehicles with tempered number plates, prone to be use in terror related crimes, to check this, pilgrims are advised to travel only in HSRP fixed vehicles,” said a senior police official.
Additional security personnel from police, CRPF, CAPF, CISF, BSF and Army are deployed within Jammu, peripheries and along Jammu-Srinagar national highway for the smooth and safe conduct of the yatra.
