The first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath yatra will depart from the Jammu base camp on June 28 under tight security. All arrangements have been made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the state government for the smooth conduct of the annual 40-day pilgrimage.
Security agencies are also on their toes to ensure safe and secure pilgrimage to the shrine located in south Kashmir. While the yatra will start on June 29, the first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh from Jammu on June 28.
In a security review meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police SD Singh Jamwal on Monday, all agencies were told to remain “on their toes” till the yatra was over.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir and tension along the Line of Control and International Border, the agencies have been instructed to remain extra vigilant along the border and the highway in Kashmir.
“Security arrangements have been made. The deployment of personnel will be done within a couple of days,” said Ashkoor Wani, DIG, Jammu-Kathua Range.
“Security agencies from the Army and the local police have been roped in. The Army, the BSF and the police of border districts have been instructed to take anti-infiltration measures,” he added.
The DIG said this year the security deployment would be increased along the route. Preparations have been made at the Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar here also. This is the place from where all pilgrims leave for the Valley for the yatra. The Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar has been cordoned off by security agencies. The district administration has ensured basic facilities for the pilgrims.
“Arrangements have been made and senior officers have been appointed at Yatri Niwas to ensure basic facilities for the pilgrims,” said Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu.
The SASB had authorised 437 branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank and Yes Bank across the country for registration of the yatra this year. However, the provision has also been made for on-the-spot registration in Jammu for those pilgrims who do not have advance registration.
Token counters have been established at Sangam Resort near the Jammu Tawi railway station for on-the-spot registration.
Amarnath Yatra 2017: First batch to leave Jammu on June 28
