First batch leaves for Holy Cave from Nunwan Base camp

ANANTNAG, July 01: The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Saturday as a fist batch of pilgrims left the Nunwan base camp here for the revered Amarnath Shrine. The pilgrimage was flagged off by Secretary Revenue, (Nodal Officer for Yatra via Pahalgam Axis), Dr Piyush Singla.

DIG SKR, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, S F Hamid, SSP Anantnag Ashish Mishra, Camp Director Nunwan, CEO PDA besides other officials from district administration, police and other security agencies were present on the occasion

The pilgrims were seen enthusiastically chanting religious hymns while moving forward towards the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva.

Adequate facilities have been made to ensure smooth conduct of the 62 day pilgrimage, Singla said, adding, “The endeavour is to make sure that the pilgrims feel secure and visit the shrine peacefully.”