Civil society pledges support as security apparatus gears up for Yatra
Jammu Tawi, Jun 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the Shri Amarnath Yatra is not merely a religious pilgrimage but a reflection of Jammu and Kashmir’s enduring traditions of compassion, hospitality, communal harmony and selfless service.
Interacting with civil society groups, business leaders, religious heads, social workers and public representatives, the Lieutenant Governor called for collective efforts to ensure the smooth, safe and memorable conduct of the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
“Let us unite across all sectors to make this year’s pilgrimage a beacon of faith, unity and devotion. As pilgrims embark on the sacred journey to Baba Barfani’s cave, let us transform our devotion into compassionate action and make this Yatra a true testament to human kindness,” he said.
Describing the pilgrimage as an integral part of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage, Sinha said the Amarnath Yatra has shaped the faith, identity and traditions of the people for centuries. He noted that pilgrims arriving from across the country and abroad bring not only their prayers but also aspirations of peace, faith and humanity.
“The world witnesses every year that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and followers of all faiths stand together in the service of pilgrims. This unity is our greatest strength,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to ensure that every pilgrim experiences respect, safety and a sense of belonging during the pilgrimage. He also welcomed suggestions from civil society members and assured that genuine recommendations would be examined for implementation.
Participants in the meeting unanimously extended their support for the successful conduct of the Yatra and appreciated improvements made in recent years in infrastructure, security, healthcare, sanitation and pilgrim facilities.
Security Grid Activated, Sadhus Reach Jammu Base Camp
Meanwhile, the first batches of sadhus arrived at the Shri Ram Mandir Amarnath Yatri Base Camp in Purani Mandi, Jammu, as security agencies intensified preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
Authorities have put in place a multi-tier security mechanism across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by technology-enabled surveillance under ‘Project Hawk Eye’, enhanced deployment of police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces, strengthened intelligence coordination and round-the-clock monitoring.
Senior police officers reviewed arrangements at Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and along the Kashmir route, while anti-drone drills, mega security exercises and coordination meetings were conducted in Anantnag, Kathua, Awantipora and other districts to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Yatra.
