Amarnath Yatra: Over 4,600 pilgrims arrive in Kashmir, local Muslims joined senior officials to welcome yatris

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• Jun 28, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The convoy also received a rousing reception in Bandipora, with community members extending a warm welcome...

Digital Desk: The first batch of the annual Amarnath Yatra, comprising 4,603 pilgrims, arrived in the Kashmir valley on Friday amid stringent security arrangements. Local Muslims, along with senior police and civil administration officials, greeted the yatris, who had set off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early that morning.

The pilgrims were welcomed with open arms by both the administration and local residents along their journey to Kashmir. In various districts including Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and Bandipora, the yatris received a hearty welcome with garlands and cheers.

The 52-day pilgrimage, which starts on Saturday, will follow two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal. The pilgrimage is set to conclude on August 19.

Pilgrims reached the valley through the Navyug tunnel in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district. The convoy of 231 light and heavy vehicles was greeted by Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan, SSP Kulgam, and members of various civil society groups, trade associations, and local market organizations.

"We welcome all of them. There are proper arrangements in place for them," Khan told reporters.

The pilgrim convoys then continued separately to the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam, from where they will begin their trek to the 3,880-meter-high holy cave shrine early on Saturday.

In Anantnag, Deputy Commissioner Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid and other officials welcomed the pilgrims taking the Pahalgam route. Meanwhile, those heading to the cave shrine via the Baltal axis were greeted at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar by Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat and local residents.

The convoy also received a rousing reception in Bandipora, with community members extending a warm welcome.

"May the blessings of Baba Amarnath ji bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone's life," said an official.

Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth yatra, including a three-tier security system, area dominations, elaborate route deployments, and checkpoints. A senior official stated that traffic restrictions will be in place from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimize inconvenience.

Over 3.50 lakh people have registered for this year's yatra. Along the two routes to the cave shrine, 125 community kitchens (langars) have been set up, supported by over 6,000 volunteers.

The first batch was flagged off from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, amid chants of "Bum Bum Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev".