Amidst the multi-tier security cover, Amarnath Yatris’ first batch reached Kajigund, where he was welcomed in the Naunag tunnel in a traditional way.
An official told the news agency -Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “Baltal Axis Kafile departed at 5:20 am, followed by Pahgam Axis convoy at 06:04 am. “5,485 yatris are part of this batch, with 2,347 via the Baltal route and 3,138 via Pahgam,” he said.
He said that there are 4,395 men, 1,043 women and 31 children, as well as 16 sadhus.
The convoy consists of 299 vehicles – 162 on the Baltal Axis and 137 on the Pahgam axis. Vehicle distribution includes 113 buses (Baltal via 48, Pahalgam via 65), 42 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 144 light motor vehicles (LMVs), ”he said.
Meanwhile, the locals welcome Yatris in the traditional way in the Navig Tunnel.
A local social worker, M Iqbal, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are here to welcome the yatras because Kashmir is known for his hospitality.
He also said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will protect every year till the end of the journey.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina said that local people play an important role in serving pilgrims and making Amarnath Yatra successful. “I have seen the youth welcoming the yatras. This is the true spirit of Kashmir,” he said- (KNO)
