Sadhus begin arriving in Jammu ahead of July 3 pilgrimage
Jammu: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Friday chaired a high-level security review meeting for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, calling for seamless coordination among all stakeholder agencies to ensure a peaceful and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine.
The meeting, held in Srinagar, was attended by senior officers from the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CAPFs, intelligence agencies, and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB). Among those present were Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava.
The Lieutenant Governor conducted a comprehensive review of the security grid and logistics for the yatra, stressing joint efforts between all forces and agencies. “All departments and stakeholders must work in close synergy to ensure a secure, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience for the pilgrims,” Sinha directed.
Principal Secretary to LG and CEO of the Shrine Board, Mandeep K. Bhandari, gave a detailed presentation on the arrangements in place and steps taken to enhance facilities for the expected lakhs of devotees. The 32-day yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 via both the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes.
In a parallel development, DGP Nalin Prabhat also chaired a meeting with CAPFs and allied forces to review logistical and accommodation arrangements for the incoming units. Officers from CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, and others participated and shared feedback on current deployments.
At the outset, the Zonal IGPs briefed the DGP on the status of CAPF induction of both the zones, he said.
The officers also briefed the chair regarding the administrative and logistical arrangements made for the incoming CAPF companies, he said.
The coordinating officers of the CAPF shared their feedback on the administrative arrangements at various camping sites and transit locations. The senior officers of CAPF also expressed their satisfaction with the administrative and transportation arrangements for the inducted companies, the spokesperson said.
He said the DGP issued directives for the smooth induction of CAPF companies and emphasised that district heads should ensure proper arrangements for incoming units and their efficient ground deployment.
Prabhat stressed the need for a high level of coordination among all forces and instructed that an effective inter-agency coordination mechanism be established.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the yatra, which begins on July 3, the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the spiritual atmosphere is building in Jammu, where scores of sadhus have started arriving ahead of the pilgrimage.
The 32-day pilgrimage will commence from the twin tracks, the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14 km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal on July 3.
A day earlier, the first batch of pilgrims will leave Jammu’s Bhagwati nagar base camp and Ram Mandir for the Valley.
The shrine houses the naturally formed ice Shivlingam and over 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid their obeisance at the 3,880-meter-high shrine last year.
“The sadhus have started arriving in Jammu city. Scores have reached our temple complex, which is one of the boarding and lodging centres for the Sadhus,” said temple head Mahant Rameshwar Dass.
The famous Ram Mandir in the old city reverberates with chants in praise of Lord Shiva, as over 200 sadhus from across the country have reached here to take part in the annual yatra to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath.
“All necessary arrangements, including round-the-clock free community kitchen service, lodging, and medical facilities, are in place for the Sadhus here. We wish for a trouble-free yatra,” Dass said.
He added that his complex has been serving sadhus for generations throughout the year.
As per past practice, the people of Jammu and Kashmir welcome the pilgrims according to age-old traditions so they do not face any problems.
Ram Mandir in the Purani Mandi area of Jammu, the city of temples, hosts the sadhus and sadhvis at its sprawling complex, with the government departments lending support to ensure various facilities, including on-the-spot registration for the yatra.
Dass lauded the role of the lieutenant governor and the administration in putting up the best possible facilities for the pilgrims.
“We expect a rush of pilgrims to Amarnath this year too,” he said.
Amid chants of ”Bam Bam Bhole” and ”Jai Jai Baba Barfani”, the sadhus and sadhvis are eagerly waiting for the yatra to commence.
Hailing from Uttarakhand, Ram Baba has been visiting Amarnath for the past 24 years.
“We have been coming for the yatra for the past 24 years. This is our 25th year. We are waiting for the day the yatra starts, as we want to have early darshan of Barfani Baba,” he said.
He further said that he had walked from his home temple along with his group of Naths in six days.
“I start my year with this yatra by seeking the blessing of the Ice Lingam,” he added.
Another sadhu from Odisha said he is confident of undertaking the arduous journey to the shrine with the help of a belt tied around his back to overcome pain.
