Amarnath Yatra 2024 begins with multi-tier security cover, traditional ethos

JAMMU — Amid tight security arrangements and traditional ethos, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will flag off the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims for Baltal and Chandanwari from Yatri Niwas base camp on Friday, June 28. The Yatra will start with traditional ethos and religious zeal.

Officials told the news agency KNO, LG Sinha accompanied by prominent citizens and senior civil, police and paramilitary officers will flag off the first batch of pilgrims around 4:30 am on Friday from Bhagwati Nagar base camp after conducting the special pooja.

Officials informed that all security arrangements were in place and a proper mock drill was also conducted yesterday by security forces, paramilitary forces, police and other sister agencies along the route of the Yatra.

The 52-day-long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in the southern Kashmir Himalayas will begin on June 29. The Yatra will continue till August 19.

Over 4.5 lakh pilgrims had paid their obeisance at the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam inside the cave shrine in Kashmir Himalayas last year.

Jammu district police chief and Senior Superintendent of Police, Vindi Kumar said that security measures have been put in place for the base camps and lodging centres in Jammu.

Authorities successfully conducted a dry run of vehicles along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway ahead of the start of the annual pilgrimage, officials said.

The 52-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter high holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence from the twin tracks—the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal—on June 29. The administration anticipates a footfall of over six lakh during the 52-day pilgrimage.

First batch arrives at base camp

A large number of pilgrims reached the Yatri Niwas Base Camp in Jammu today ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra on June 29. The first batch of pilgrims for the Yatra was seen in huge lines outside the base camp, and in high spirits. Tight security arrangements can be seen at the base camp.

On-the-spot registration

The administration has begun the process for on-the-spot registration of devotees arriving for the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in southern Kashmir Himalayas. In Jammu, hundreds of enthusiastic pilgrims coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir waited for hours to get their tokens for offline Amarnath registration scheduled to start at three counters on Friday.

The token distribution centre at Saraswati Dham near the Jammu Railway station was set up by the district administration for the pilgrims who want to register for the Yatra in offline mode, the officials said.

“Three registration centres – Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Hall – will start functioning in Jammu for offline registration from tomorrow. Only those pilgrims having tokens issued by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be entertained at the registration centres,” said Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Manu Hansa. He said the shrine board had given them 2000 tokens for the twin tracks for tomorrow.

“A total of 12 counters, six each for Pahalgam and Baltal axis with separate waiting halls, will be available for the pilgrims for registration. Separate inquiry counters will be available at all the three registration centres for the assistance of the pilgrims,” said Hansa, who was given the additional charge of Yatra management. He appealed to the pilgrims to maintain peace and wait for their turn. The centres will open at 6 am daily till the daily quota is exhausted.

Elaborate security arrangements

Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain, while speaking to media men in Jammu, said that all arrangements have been finalised for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

“I urge the Yatris to follow the discipline and cut-off timings in spirit. There can be no compromise with the security of pilgrims, tourists and civilians. Human life is precious and it is our duty to protect human lives,” he said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Bhirdi, while talking to reporters in Srinagar, said that police along with the Central forces and special wing of J&K Police have put in place a multi-layer security cover for smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra this year.

“A proper security deployment has been made. Modern equipment including electronic equipment have been used for surveillance and we are hopeful of a peaceful pilgrimage,” the IGP said.

LG reviews preparations at Pahalgam

J&K’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the preparations of the Amarnath Ji Yatra at a high-level meeting today at Pahalgam. The meeting was attended by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO of Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and senior officers of SASB, security forces, civil and police administration.

“The Lt Governor discussed the deployment of police and security personnel, doctors and nursing staff, duty officers, relief and rescue teams, and sanitation staff on the Yatra routes,” an official statement said. “The LG directed for deputing dedicated officers who will look after the effective functioning of the facilities developed by their respective departments.”

The statement, quoting LG, said, “Pilgrims are the brand ambassador of Jammu and Kashmir. Greater synergy between all stakeholder departments, police, security forces and service providers will ensure the best arrangements for the hassle-free pilgrimage.”

The meeting was informed that substantial improvements have been made in terms of facilities for a safe and smooth pilgrimage. “The Lt Governor emphasised on providing smooth arrangements on the route of Yatra, adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and deployment of ambulances and helicopters for any medical emergency,” the statement said.

The statement added, “He also took appraisal of track, lodging, electricity, water, communication, health, fire and emergency services. Later, the Lt Governor took stock of the facilities in place for the pilgrims at Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam.”