Amarnath Yatra 2025: Devotees 'neglected' terror attacks, reached in huge numbers, says J-K LG Manoj Sinha
The 45-day pilgrimage will commence on July 3. He also congratulated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine for providing excellent facilities.
'Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has made excellent facilities for the Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high. The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all the terror attacks and have reached in huge numbers', he told reporters.
LG Sinha also added, 'I am hopeful that this year's Yatra would be even better than the previous ones.'
Speaking on the arrangements, Sinha said, '...For the pilgrims, the J&K administration, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the residents of J&K have performed their duties well. From 2022, the facilities for devotees have been improved. Both routes leading to the cave used to be six feet wide, but are now 12 feet wide. There used to be darkness on the route; now, grid connectivity has been established.'
'Telecom connectivity has become completely prominent throughout the way. High-quality cameras have been installed for the Yatra LIVE feed. Yatra is monitored 24/7 from the Integrated Command and Control Centre in the Raj Bhawan and the Police Control Room... RFID-based tracking system has been established,' he added.
Before the flag-off, LG Sinha offered prayers at the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu. As the pilgrims departed, chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' filled the air.
BJP leader Sat Sharma told ANI, 'Thousands of devotees have come here for Baba Amarnath Darshan. Just two months ago, a different environment was created, but today we can see how the devotees are raising Baba Bhole's slogans. The people have faith that they are in safe hands.'
A devotee named Shalu, who is part of the first batch, said she was happy with the arrangements and felt completely safe.'...We are delighted... We waited for it for an entire year. The arrangements are excellent, from food to accommodation. There is nothing to be scared of. The security is perfect,' Shalu told ANI.
Another devotee, Akanksha, said, '...We planned to be a part of the first batch. We were not scared because we knew that the security would be adequate... The arrangements are very good; food, accommodation, sanitation, and all facilities are very good...'
The Amarnath Yatra is being conducted through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the shrine. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
27 minutes ago
- India Gazette
"Our priority will always be Global South": PM Modi during joint session of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to the Global South during his address to the Joint Assembly of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, stating that India sees its development as a responsibility towards others. Addressing lawmakers at the iconic Red House in Port of Spain, PM Modi said, 'India is the fastest growing major economy in the world... We see our development also as our responsibility towards others, and our priority will always be the Global South.' Expanding on India's development vision, he noted that as India builds Artificial Intelligence tools to drive growth in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago would be a 'priority nation' for partnership. Highlighting the areas of bilateral support, he said, 'We will share our expertise in agriculture, horticulture and food processing. Machinery from India will support your agro industry, and since development is about dignity, we will organize an artificial limb fitment camp and differently abled citizens here. For us, there are no limits to our cooperation with you.' Reinforcing India's commitment to deepening regional engagement, he added, 'Building on the momentum of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, we are eager to collaborate on initiatives that enhance trade and investment, build infrastructure and mobility, implement community development projects and, above all, support capacity building, training and skill development on a large scale.' In a broader global context, PM Modi pointed out the challenges facing international institutions and the growing aspirations of the Global South. 'The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress. At the same time, the Global South is rising. They wish to see a new and fairer world order,' he said. Reflecting on unmet expectations, he remarked, 'When the United Nations turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world that long-pending reform would be realised... that their voice would be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment.' Outlining India's roadmap for future ties, PM Modi said, 'Our trade will continue to grow. We will encourage businesses to invest more in this country. Our development partnership will expand.' Recognising the importance of gender representation in governance, the Prime Minister lauded the composition of the Parliament. 'I'm delighted to see so many women members in this House. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the Skanda Purana, says that one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build our modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces -- they are leading India to a new future in various domains.' He also spoke about the cultural ties between the two countries, tracing it back nearly two centuries. '...180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey, oceans away. The Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm... From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce -- they contribute to every field.' Earlier in the day, PM Modi was conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the nation's highest civilian honour, becoming the first foreign leader to receive it. He described the award as a reflection of the 'eternal and deep friendship' between India and Trinidad and Tobago. President Christine Kangaloo presented the award at the President's House in Port of Spain. The Prime Minister noted the cultural ties reflected in President Kangaloo's own Indian ancestry. This recognition marks the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country. Ahead of the joint parliamentary address, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Kangaloo in the capital. PM Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time), where he was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport. Sharing a video of the warm reception on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.' The footage showcased traditional music, dance, and enthusiastic greetings from the Indian diaspora. This is PM Modi's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral Prime Ministerial-level visit since 1999. The visit is part of a broader five-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, aimed at deepening ties in sectors including digital finance, renewable energy, health, and IT. Following his engagements in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. He will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil from July 5 to July 8 before concluding the tour with a state visit to Namibia. (ANI)
India Gazette
27 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Indians are among most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team says PM Modi
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the joint assembly of Trinidad and Tobago's parliament on Friday, highlighted the fondness Indian fans have for the West Indies cricket team, except when they compete against India. 'I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India,' PM Modi said. Many legendary West Indies players, including Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Kieron Pollard, have featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gayle, Pollard and Russell are among the most admired West Indies cricketers in India. Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell were elite Caribbean players in IPL 2025. President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he became the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.' PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the second leg of his tour, is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and information technology. (ANI)
India Gazette
27 minutes ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi departs for Buenos Aires after concluding visit to Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago] July 5 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina, for the 3rd leg of his five-nation tour after concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. PM Modi is headed for Buenos Aires at the official invitation of the President of the Republic of Argentina, Javier Milei. He will hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further enhance the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. During his two-day visit to the Caribbean nation, Prime Minister Modi participated in several key events, including an address to the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with PM Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago, discussing ways to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as disaster management, climate change, defence, technology, healthcare and agricultural research. 'PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad & Tobago, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Both leaders agreed to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as disaster management, climate change, defence, technology, healthcare and agricultural research. They also discussed boosting people-to-people ties,' PMO wrote on X. PM Modi was also conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,' the nation's highest honour, during a ceremonial event at the President's House in Port of Spain. PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for honouring him with the 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.' 'I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government and wonderful people of Trinidad & Tobago for honouring me with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.' This honour symbolises the eternal friendship between our two countries. At every step, one can witness the cultural connect between our nations,' PM Modi wrote on X. PM Modi and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamala Persad-Bissessar also planted a neem tree in the premises of the Red House (Seat of the Parliament of T&T) as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. After completing his visit to Argentina, PM Modi will head to Brazil from July 5 to July 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025. In the final leg of his five-nation tour, the PM will visit Namibia and also address the parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic five-nation tour scheduled from July 2 to 9, with visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. (ANI)
