Jammu and Kashmir Vice President Surinder Chaudhary on Wednesday welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Banihal.
Chaudhary said that this area is watching a festival -like atmosphere, in which people of all communities warmly welcome pilgrims.
Expressing hope, he said, “We will pray to Lord Bhola Shankar that next time we welcome these pilgrims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, not for a UT …”
He praised the efforts of security forces and administration and called the government patriotism led by Omar Abdullah and committed to national unity.
“… We are here to welcome pilgrims. Security forces and administration are fulfilling their responsibilities. Today, we can see a festival -like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. People of all communities are welcoming pilgrims here. We always take steps to strengthen the nation,” said Chaudhary.
The 38-day journey will begin on 3 July and end on 9 August. The pilgrimage will follow the two routes-Anantnag district in the traditional 48-km Pahgam road and 14-km small but in Ganderbal district on Stator Baltal Marg. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu on 2 July.
After the Pahgam terror attack of April 2025, security has been increased extensively throughout the Jammu region for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. More than 50,000 personnel, including CRPF, army and police, have been deployed with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drone, jammer and facial identification technology along the route.
Proper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances and emergency withdrawal schemes to ensure maximum security during the pilgrimage. (AI)