First Batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra-2015 flagged off from Lakhanpur

Lakhanpur (Jammu & Kashmir), June 30 - Minister for Health and Medical Education, Jammu & Kashmir today flagged off first batch of 5100 pilgrims of Shri Amarnathji Yatra from Lakhanpur Base Camp (which is also an entry post to Jammu & Kashmir state from neighbouring Punjab) for onward journey to the Himalayan cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas.

The pilgrims left Lakhanpur at 10 A.M., while many of them did On-spot Registration for the annual pilgrimage for which J&K Government has put up a Special Counter.

District Development Commissioner Kathua , Deputy Commissioner Excise, Director Health Services, Additional Development Commissioner besides other senior officers of civil and police were present at the flagging off ceremony.

Earlier, interacting with the pilgrims and media persons the Minister said government has made adequate arrangements for smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra-2015 from Lakhanpur to the Holy Cave Shrine. “Entire state Administration is fully geared up to provide every facility like, drinking water, Medicare, Electricity and Security to the Yatris at base camps”, Minister said.

Praying for smooth and safe yatra, the Minister said the pilgrims have to brave tough and inclement weather conditions during the yatra. He appealed the people to undertake the Yatra only after proper medical checkup and registration.

This year, the Health and Medical Education Department has set up Medical Aid Camps at a distance of 10 kilometer from Lakhanpur to the Cave shrine.

First batch of pilgrims, which left Lakhanpur amid chanting of religious slogans, hymns and prayers, included males, females and children on a fleet of 27 buses and 21 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).