Amarnath Yatra 2024: J-K LG Manoj Sinha flags off first batch of pilgrims

Jammu, Jun 28: Lieutenant Governor of  Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Amarnath Yatra base camp in  Jammu on Friday morning.
Before flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, LG Manoj Sinha also offered prayers at the temple.
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.
After flagging off the first batch, in a media address, LG Manoj Sinha said, “First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims have departed from  Jammu. In the last 3-4 years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the yatra and this time also J&K administration has done all the necessary arrangements, security has been heightened.”
Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have reached Jammu. The first batch will travel in high security in a convoy and reach Pahalgam and Baltal base camp where they will start their Amarnath Yatra.
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.
Meanwhile, the BJP leader Devender Singh Rana said, “We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year also the yatra will bring happiness and would be a good experience for everyone…like every year. People will get  Jammu and Kashmir resident's love, affection and care. The people from all over the nation, will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Whole India and  Jammu and Kashmir will fasten its way of the path of development. Like every year, this year also all the arrangements have been made.”
The CCTVs have also been installed on National Highways to strengthen the security and address the traffic related issues.
Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai said, ” To strengthen the security further, CCTV cameras have been installed on National Highway…around 10 CCTV points have been made from Udhampur to Banihal where continuous monitoring will take place. If any traffic related issue arises, we can address it immediately. Our motive is that Amarnath Yatra pilgrims get all the facilities including food, water and electricity…”.