Jammu, Jun 30:
Advisor to Governor K.K Sharma today flagged-off first batch of 2,234 pilgrims in 93 vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu for Shri Amarnathji Shrine, this morning. Legislators Vikram Randawa and Romesh Arora, Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma, IGP M.K Sinha, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar,besides other prominent citizens were present on the occasion. Two separate batches departed from the base camp, one for Chandanwari in Pahalgam and another for Baltal in South Kashmir. The Baltal batch of 1,006 pilgrims comprised 793 men, 203 women and 10 children left the base camp in 45 vehicles including 9 buses, 33 light motor vehicles (LMV) and three motorcycles. The Pahalgam batch of 1248 pilgrims comprised of 1046 men, 130 women, seven children and 45 ‘sadhus’ in left the base camp in 48 vehicles including 25 buses and 23 LMVs. Advisor along with other senior officers and prominent citizens performed a traditional ‘pooja’ at the base camp before the commencement of the journey. All the necessary arrangements of security, basic amenities, medical facilities and other things are in place for the smooth conduct of the yatra.