The annual AmarnathYatra commenced today from both the Pahalgam and the Baltal routes, with Governor Satya Pal Malik, chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, paying obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum and participating in the PrathamPooja ceremony.
The Governor prayed for sustained peace, harmony, progressand prosperity in the State. He was accompanied by UmangNarula, CEO of theShrine Board.
The Governor, according to an official handout, reviewed thearrangements made for the pilgrims at the Yatra Shrine Camp and conveyed theShrine Board’s gratitude to the State Government, the Army, the Central ArmedPolice Forces, the State Police and all the other agencies concerned for theirsupport and cooperation.
He stressed the need for effective supervision and round theclock monitoring by the Camp Directors and all the functionaries involved inthe management of the Yatra for ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, thestatement said.
The Governor lauded the people of Kashmir for making thisannual pilgrimage a successful event ever since it is being observed.Appreciating the valuable support of local people in conduct of this Yatra, hedescribed their role in this Yatra as a true essence of Kashmiriyat which isexemplary for its communal harmony.
Meanwhile, UmangNarula, CEO of the Shrine Board, has againappealed to the intending Yatris to embark on the pilgrimage only after gettingmedically checked and obtaining a valid Yatra permit. Narula has further appealed to the Yatris tobring with them adequate woollen clothing, jackets, warm inners, woollen socks,gloves, woollen cap, trousers, muffler, sleeping bag, wind cheater, rain coat,waterproof trekking shoes, umbrellas in view of harsh terrain where temperatureabruptly falls to 2-5 degree Celsius.