Latest news with #AmarnathYatra.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Amarnath Yatra now on; police confident about security: 'The people are our strength'
The Jammu and Kashmir police have intensified security arrangements in the Doda region as the Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced, while also reaffirming their commitment to eliminating terrorism from the area. Pilgrims arrive at Baltal Base Camp for the Amarnath Yatra.(ANI) Speaking to ANI about the security measures in place, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Mehta said, 'Kishtwar district has made solid preparations on the Kishtwar-Batote route. Four checkpoints are set up on the NH244, with the main checkpoint at Baggar. When the Amarnath Yatra crosses this point, our police party ensures that no unscrupulous elements pass through.' SSP Mehta also visited the far-flung area of Gandoh, where he reviewed the ground-level situation and interacted with local officials and residents. "We have fully strengthened security along NH244 from Assar to Thathri and established four checkpoints as the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has now commenced. This route is also being actively used for the Yatra movement, and all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure safety and smooth passage," said the SSP. Further, addressing the broader issue of militancy in the region, SSP Mehta emphasised the department's firm resolve to restore complete peace in Doda. "We have witnessed militancy in the past here in Doda, and we are fully committed to neutralising all terrorists present in the region. However, before achieving this, I appeal to the public to extend their full cooperation to the police and security forces. The people are our strength," he stated. Meanwhile, as part of efforts to combat drug-related crime, the Doda Police also continued their anti-narcotics campaign. "So far, we have registered 15 FIRs against individuals involved in drug peddling and related illegal activities as part of our ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace," SSP Mehta added.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
First batch of Amarnath pilgrims flagged off amid high security
Amid chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' and 'Har Har Mahadev', the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, flagged off the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims from Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu on Wednesday morning. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha during the flagging off of the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu.(Hindustan Times) A total of 5,892 pilgrims in a convoy of 310 vehicles left the base camp amid tight security arrangements. The CRPF's vehicles mounted with automatic weapons escorted the convoy. A total of 3,403 pilgrims comprising 2,647 men, 467 women, eight children,16 transgenders, 200 sadhus and 65 sadhvis left in 144 vehicles for Pahalgam route. Meanwhile, 2,489 pilgrims comprising 1,748 men, 576 women, 23 children, 135 sadhus and seven sadhvis left in 166 vehicles for Baltal routes, according to an official at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. Amid slight drizzle, the exuberant pilgrims blew conch shells and chanted religious hymns. Before flagging off the first batch, LG Sinha performed a Puja at the base camp and prayed for the peaceful and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha in a pooja before flagging off the Amarnath Yatra.(Hindustan Times) Later, he flagged off the first batch. Wearing a traditional Dogra turban, Sinha wore a big smile on his face and also waved to the pilgrims. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of Amarnath yatris.(Hindustan Times) "Flagged off first batch of pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025 from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe & comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deeply soul-stirring experience. Prayed to Baba Amarnath for peace & blessings to all," Sinha posted on X. He extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and blissful journey. 'This sacred pilgrimage is a journey of faith and self-discovery. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deep soul-stirring experience,' he said. Sinha further said, the administration, people of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, and security forces have made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims. 'Jammu city has come alive with a new vibrancy. The enthusiasm of pilgrims is very hight. Undeterred by terror incidents, devotees of Bhole Baba are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating their immense faith. I hope that this year's Yatra will be even more historic than previous years,' the Lieutenant Governor said. Eminent spiritual leaders, heads of religious organisations, public representatives, senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces, and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees were present in large numbers at the flag-off ceremony. A sea of Lord Shiva's devotees had turned up at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp with men, women and Sadhus seen drenched in divinity. "There is no fear among us. Bhole Ki Fauj, Karegi Mauj. Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 has failed to dampen our spirit," said Manoj Kumar, 37, a pilgrim from UP's Sitapur. "PM Modi has given a strong reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. Our security forces have been deployed for us. The enemies will not be able to cause any harm to us, he added. Jubilant pilgrims during the flagging off of the Amarnath Yatra.(Hindustan Times) Ram Prasad, 51, from Azamgarh, said, "this is first day of the Yatra and you can see the excitement among devotees of Bhole Baba. The numbers will spiral alarmingly in the days to come." Another pilgrim, Ashish Kambli, 47, from Shirdi, a third-time visitor to the Amarnath cave shrine, said, "The arrangements are much better this time. We faced no problems, and the administration is extending all possible help to us." Post Pahalgam attack, the BJP government at the Centre has deployed 581 companies of the paramilitary forces to ward off any terror threat to the pilgrimage, considered one of the most revered in Hinduism. Amarnath Yatra has always remained a "high value" target for the Pakistani terror outfits.
India Today
30-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Amit Shah to visit Poonch today, meet families of Pak shelling victims
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Poonch on Friday to meet the families of victims of Pakistani shelling and drone attacks during Operation Sindoor. Poonch district recorded the highest number of civilian fatalities — 14 out of the total 28 deaths — between May 7 and May arrived in Jammu on Thursday evening amid tight security, marking his first visit to the Union Territory since the launch of Operation Sindoor. During his visit to Poonch, Shah will also visit religious places and address Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed in the part of his trip, the Home Minister will express gratitude to the BSF for their significant role in Operation Sindoor and extend support to the affected on the visit, BJP leader Vikram Randhawa said, "The Union Home Minister's visit to J&K shows that the government is concerned about the security of the people after India-Pak tensions."Earlier on Thursday night, Shah chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu to review the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and assess the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.'The government will leave no stone unturned to provide all required facilities to the Amarnath pilgrims,' Shah said during the meeting, while directing security forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.'Chaired a review meeting for the Amarnath Pilgrimage and evaluated the security arrangements and preparedness meant for the pilgrims. Instructed to maintain utmost vigilance and ensure seamless completion of the sacred journey,' Shah later wrote on annual Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3 and will conclude on August inputs from Watch advertisementIN THIS STORY#Amit Shah#Jammu and Kashmir
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Take adequate security measures for Amarnath Yatra: Kharge to govt
BENGALURU: A day after the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged the Union Government to take adequate security measures ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.'The Centre must do everything possible to instill confidence among people. Adequate security measures should be provided in Jammu and Kashmir, as Amarnath Yatra will begin in a couple of days,' Kharge said, recalling that there have been attacks on Amarnath yatris in the past. 'Summer has just commenced. This is the time that tourists visit J&K. Tourism is the biggest source of income for J&K's economy... The Centre should help them now. At this moment, we are all one...,' he said. Gowda condemns attack Former PM and JDS patriarch HD Deve Gowda condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. Gowda, a Rajya Sabha member, said his party will stand with PM Modi in any decision that he takes in national interest. Gowda said that everybody should unite in such crucial situations and fight unitedly.
