Latest news with #Jammu-based
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
"We Do Not Fear Terrorists": Amarnath Pilgrims Opt For Pahalgam Route
Jammu: Defying apprehensions of the horrific April 22 terror Pahalgam attack casting a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra this year, hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of the country lined up at the registration centre here on the first day. "Bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfani's darshan," said Mumbai resident Devakar Kadam, who will embark on his 11th pilgrimage to the cave shrine this time. The Saraswati Dham registration centre, near the Jammu railway station, saw an unusual rush on the first day of the registration, and many present there described the increasing footfall as a befitting reply to Pakistan-backed terrorists who shot dead 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam after religious profiling. As pilgrims waited to get tokens amid chants of "Bam Bam Bole" and "Jai Baba Barfani", several of them said they were undertaking the pilgrimage to Amarnath from the Pahalgam route as a homage to those who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack. "We are very enthusiastic. Our group of 26 members is extremely happy, and we want to be part of the first batch to have the darshan of Amarnath ji. We have no fear. "No matter what happens, the enthusiasm of people across the country for the Amarnath Yatra cannot be diminished. Everyone will come and have darshan," said Kadam. The 38-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on July 3 via the twin tracks- the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district that is shorter but steeper. Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements for the Yatra. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. Another group member, Mumta Deshmukh, said they arrived late last night and had been standing in the queue since early morning to get tokens for on-the-spot registration. "This time, it is not only a pilgrimage for Baba Barfani's darshan but also to pay tribute to those killed in Pahalgam by terrorists. "By undertaking the yatra from Pahalgam, we are sending a message to terrorists - that we do not fear them," she said. Kadam said it was their 11th pilgrimage. "We will never stop or bow down to such attacks. Even if bullets are fired or bombs explode, we will surely have Baba's darshan. We do not fear them. We pledge that we will continue to be in the first batch of every future yatra as well." Sarita Ghosh of Kolkata, who is on the pilgrimage along with a group of 95 people, said that compared to previous years, the enthusiasm among devotees is greater. "This clearly shows that people are giving a befitting reply to those trying to spread fear. I believe that compared to last year, twice the number of people will come this time - and fear will be defeated," she said. Ghosh said that all of them had decided to take the Pahalgam route, especially in the wake of the terror attack. "It will be our tribute to those who died there - this will be our pledge against terrorism," she said. Nirohotum Kumar from Assam said the terror attack cannot deter them from undertaking the pilgrimage. "What happened in Pahalgam was tragic, but it cannot scare us. We are going to Baba with full faith. This is our yearly commitment. No one can instill fear of death in us." He said people should come in large numbers. "This will also boost the morale of our soldiers," he said. Bighirath Sharma of Surat, part of a 30-member group including 25 from Kashi, said, "Do you see any fear among the people here? At least 30,000 people are standing here today just to collect tokens - and this is only the first day." "Such a huge crowd from all over the country is proof that no one is scared. In fact, this is a strong reply to terrorists - that we will not be afraid, we will not back down," Sharma said. A large number of pilgrims hoping to undertake the Yatra had to return disappointed from Saraswati Dham after failing to get tokens for on-the-spot registration to travel in the first batch for darshan of the ice lingam of Lord Shiva. Joginder Singh of Uttar Pradesh, who waited in line for four hours along with his group of eight, said, "We felt deeply hurt at not getting tokens today. We wanted to start our Yatra from day one and have Baba's darshan." He criticised the limited quota of 2,000 tokens fixed for the day. "We waited in line for four hours but still didn't receive a token. A large number of people came today, and only 2,000 tokens were issued." He said the government should issue tokens for the next day as well, so people don't have to wait in lines repeatedly. Some of those who waited for hours only to be told that the daily quota had ended raised slogans and were involved in scuffles with the police personnel deployed there. Surendra Singh from Punjab said that it was unfair that even after waiting for five hours, they didn't receive a token for registration. "The government should issue quotas for the second and third day to those already standing in line so that people don't have to return," he said Three registration centres - Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Hall - will start functioning in Jammu for offline registration from Tuesday. Only pilgrims having tokens issued by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be entertained at the registration centres, said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manu Hansa.
The Print
5 hours ago
- The Print
We do not fear terrorists: Amarnath pilgrims opt for Pahalgam route despite shadow of April 22 carnage
The Saraswati Dham registration centre, near the Jammu railway station, saw an unusual rush on the first day of the registration, and many present there described the increasing footfall as a befitting reply to Pakistan-backed terrorists who shot dead 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam after religious profiling. 'Bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfani's darshan,' said Mumbai resident Devakar Kadam, who will embark on his 11th pilgrimage to the cave shrine this time. Jammu, Jun 30 (PTI) Defying apprehensions of the horrific April 22 terror Pahalgam attack casting a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra this year, hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of the country lined up at the registration centre here on the first day. As pilgrims waited to get tokens amid chants of 'Bam Bam Bole' and 'Jai Baba Barfani', several of them said they were undertaking the pilgrimage to Amarnath from the Pahalgam route as a homage to those who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack. 'We are very enthusiastic. Our group of 26 members is extremely happy, and we want to be part of the first batch to have the darshan of Amarnath ji. We have no fear. 'No matter what happens, the enthusiasm of people across the country for the Amarnath Yatra cannot be diminished. Everyone will come and have darshan,' said Kadam. The 38-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on July 3 via the twin tracks— the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district that is shorter but steeper. Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements for the Yatra. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. Another group member, Mumta Deshmukh, said they arrived late last night and had been standing in the queue since early morning to get tokens for on-the-spot registration. 'This time, it is not only a pilgrimage for Baba Barfani's darshan but also to pay tribute to those killed in Pahalgam by terrorists. 'By undertaking the yatra from Pahalgam, we are sending a message to terrorists — that we do not fear them,' she said. Kadam said it was their 11th pilgrimage. 'We will never stop or bow down to such attacks. Even if bullets are fired or bombs explode, we will surely have Baba's darshan. We do not fear them. We pledge that we will continue to be in the first batch of every future yatra as well.' Sarita Ghosh of Kolkata, who is on the pilgrimage along with a group of 95 people, said that compared to previous years, the enthusiasm among devotees is greater. 'This clearly shows that people are giving a befitting reply to those trying to spread fear. I believe that compared to last year, twice the number of people will come this time — and fear will be defeated,' she said. Ghosh said that all of them had decided to take the Pahalgam route, especially in the wake of the terror attack. 'It will be our tribute to those who died there — this will be our pledge against terrorism,' she said. Nirohotum Kumar from Assam said the terror attack cannot deter them from undertaking the pilgrimage. 'What happened in Pahalgam was tragic, but it cannot scare us. We are going to Baba with full faith. This is our yearly commitment. No one can instill fear of death in us.' He said people should come in large numbers. 'This will also boost the morale of our soldiers,' he said. Bighirath Sharma of Surat, part of a 30-member group including 25 from Kashi, said, 'Do you see any fear among the people here? At least 30,000 people are standing here today just to collect tokens — and this is only the first day.' 'Such a huge crowd from all over the country is proof that no one is scared. In fact, this is a strong reply to terrorists — that we will not be afraid, we will not back down,' Sharma said. A large number of pilgrims hoping to undertake the Yatra had to return disappointed from Saraswati Dham after failing to get tokens for on-the-spot registration to travel in the first batch for darshan of the ice lingam of Lord Shiva. Joginder Singh of Uttar Pradesh, who waited in line for four hours along with his group of eight, said, 'We felt deeply hurt at not getting tokens today. We wanted to start our Yatra from day one and have Baba's darshan.' He criticised the limited quota of 2,000 tokens fixed for the day. 'We waited in line for four hours but still didn't receive a token. A large number of people came today, and only 2,000 tokens were issued.' He said the government should issue tokens for the next day as well, so people don't have to wait in lines repeatedly. Some of those who waited for hours only to be told that the daily quota had ended raised slogans and were involved in scuffles with the police personnel deployed there. Surendra Singh from Punjab said that it was unfair that even after waiting for five hours, they didn't receive a token for registration. 'The government should issue quotas for the second and third day to those already standing in line so that people don't have to return,' he said Three registration centres – Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Hall – will start functioning in Jammu for offline registration from Tuesday. Only pilgrims having tokens issued by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be entertained at the registration centres, said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manu Hansa. PTI AB RT RT RT RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Amarnath Yatra: Token distribution for registration begins in Jammu, dry run conducted
Jammu, Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra , the token distribution centre for offline registration of the pilgrims was operationalised here on Monday, even as the authorities successfully conducted a dry run of the arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, officials said. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence from the twin tracks - the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district - on July 3. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이걸 발견한 후로 다른 모든 게임을 하지 않게 됐어요! 레이드 섀도우 레전드 설치하기 Undo Authorities on Monday opened the token distribution centre at Saraswati Dham in Jammu, drawing huge enthusiasm from devotees across the country and abroad. Braving rain, pilgrims aspiring to undertake the Yatra thronged the centre to get tokens for their on-the-spot registration. Live Events "The distribution of tokens has started today. For this purpose, a token centre has been set up at Saraswati Dham, from where tokens are being distributed to pilgrims undertaking the Yatra on both routes - Pahalgam and Baltal," Manu Hansa, sub-divisional magistrate, Jammu South, told reporters here. He said after getting the tokens, the pilgrims can get themselves registered for the Yatra on Tuesday and undertake the pilgrimage beginning July 2 from the Jammu base camp in Bhagwati Nagar. "The registration will begin tomorrow at three centres - Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Sabha. This is the only centre from where devotees can get the token. The centre opens at 7 am," he said. The SDM said the per-day quota of tokens and registration is 2,000 each, and the counters will remain open till the daily quota is exhausted. Ahead of the Yatra, the administration conducted a successful dry run of the convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway to ensure a safe and trouble-free yatra, officials said. Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti accompanied the convoy, which left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu around 4.30 am. Kumar said that arrangements for food, shelter, sanitation and other essentials have been made after reviewing security and other arrangements along the highway in Udhampur and Ramban districts. Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar told reporters that people should come in large numbers as the administration has made elaborate arrangements for a comfortable and secure pilgrimage. Police officials said foolproof security arrangements are in place along the highway, with a joint control room monitoring the movement of pilgrim vehicles through CCTV cameras. Officials working in emergency departments are also part of this joint control room to ensure a swift response to any situation, they said.
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Countdown Begins With Security Drills, Last-Minute Inspections
Last Updated: Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Amarnath Yatra 2025: With just days to go before the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, final preparations are being reviewed across various levels of administration and security in Jammu and Kashmir. Tight security is in place for the annual pilgrimage, which is taking place after two months of the Pahalgam attack when terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district — on July 3. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. Security Mock Drills On Amarnath Yatra Route Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, as part of final preparations ahead of the annual Yatra. The drill involved personnel from the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) Buses were sent under full security cover during the drill to test the readiness and coordination of various security units. The exercise simulated emergency scenarios such as landslides and other natural disasters, with a focus on prompt response, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims. The simulation involved rescuing trapped vehicles, providing immediate first aid to the injured, and coordinating swift relief through integrated efforts by disaster response and security teams. The CRPF has also intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A facial recognition system (FRS) has also been installed along the Pahalgam route of the Amarnath Yatra to deter any potential terror attacks against pilgrims. The system has a feature that alerts security forces in real-time in case any blacklisted person comes into the field of view of the surveillance cameras, news agency ANI reported. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired two high-level meetings—one with political leaders and another with civil society representatives—to assess the state of preparedness for the yatra. The LG also reviewed the progress of Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, and also inspected healthcare facilities and inaugurated a training ward for medical staff at Base Camp Hospital. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his wishes for a smooth and successful yatra, saying, 'We sincerely hope and pray for the successful conduct of the yatra, with a good turnout of pilgrims who come to offer their prayers and return safely." He also confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort and security of the devotees. Comprehensive reviews were undertaken, with a strong emphasis on ensuring a 'peaceful, safe and hassle-free" experience for pilgrims, the CM added. Amarnath Yatra 2025 Routes The yatra will proceed via the two traditional routes—Baltal and Pahalgam—with security personnel already deployed in the Pahalgam region. In Ramban, local administration and security officials conducted inspections to ensure all logistical and safety arrangements are in place. The first batch of pilgrims has already reached Jammu, radiating devotion and excitement. As part of the registration process, token distribution began today at Saraswati Dham, with registration scheduled to start tomorrow at Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Sabha. Jammu South SDM Manu Hansa informed that these will be the sole authorised centres for obtaining tokens. 'The centre opens at 7 am, and only registered pilgrims with valid tokens will be allowed to proceed," he said. The SDM said the per-day quota of tokens and registration is 2,000 each, and the counters will remain open till the daily quota is exhausted. Devotees Undeterred By Security Concerns Despite recent incidents, including a terror attack near Pahalgam, pilgrims stood firm in their resolve to undertake the sacred journey. Many expressed unwavering faith in India's security forces and emphasised that fear would not deter them from fulfilling their spiritual aspirations. Shakshdeep Jha, who arrived from Mumbai with a group of 15 pilgrims, shared his excitement, saying, 'I am very happy to be here. We will carry on the Yatra through the Pahalgam route." When asked about any apprehensions following the recent attack, he replied firmly, 'We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us. Till we have our forces, we can go anywhere without any fear. People should come here in large numbers without any fear." Another pilgrim, Deepak Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, spoke of his determination despite the rainy weather. 'Even though it's raining here, we are very excited to be here. Right now, we will collect our tickets and proceed for the Yatra through the Pahalgam route," he said. He added that the large turnout of pilgrims would send a message of unity and resilience, 'a slap on the faces of terrorists." Maya Kaul, another devotee, echoed similar sentiments. 'We are six people here and will go through Pahalgam. We are very confident in our forces, and there is no need to be afraid of anything. I urge people to come in large numbers to the Amarnath Yatra." Among those standing in long queues amid the heavy rain was a group of 120 people from Bihar. A devotee from Darbhanga said, 'We are so excited to be here. We cannot express our joy. All the arrangements are very nice. We have all our belief in the Indian Army, and we are confident that they will ensure this Yatra goes smoothly." Kajal Wangmare from Maharashtra said she had been standing in line since 3 a.m. 'It's raining; however, we are just happy to be here. We know that we will have a very good pilgrimage and will take along happy memories with us," she told IANS. top videos View all Vikramjeet from Delhi also shared his thoughts, saying, 'We are very excited. I also want to give a message to the people that there is no need to be afraid. The arrangements here are very nice, and we are not facing any problems. We believe in our Army, and we are not afraid of anything." (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter -- Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Amarnath Yatra Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 16:09 IST News india Amarnath Yatra 2025: Countdown Begins With Security Drills, Last-Minute Inspections
The Print
13 hours ago
- The Print
Police in Jammu intensify security ahead of Amarnath Yatra
The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp a day before the start of the yatra. The 38-day annual pilgrimage is scheduled to start from the twin routes — the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district — leading to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine. Jammu, Jun 30 (PTI) Jammu police has set up several checkpoints across the city to bolster security arrangements and carry out daily anti-sabotage checks ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to start from July 3, officials said. 'In view of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu Police has significantly bolstered the security arrangements by establishing joint nakas (checkpoints) at multiple strategic locations across the district,' a police spokesperson said. He said the checkpoints have been set up in coordination with paramilitary forces to ensure a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience. The checkpoints will be operational round the clock in high-sensitivity and high-mobility zones, including on national highways, city peripheries and routes leading to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, the spokesperson said. Personnel from police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other agencies have been deployed for intensive frisking, surveillance and verification operations. Senior police officers are personally monitoring the operations at the checkpoints to ensure alertness, professionalism and public convenience, the spokesperson said. 'The naka teams have been directed to maintain a balance between rigorous checking and respectful behaviour towards pilgrims and civilians,' he added. Special attention is being given to vehicle checking, identity verification and detection of suspicious movement, supported by technical inputs and facial recognition systems (FRS) at vulnerable and crowded locations, he said. 'Instructions have also been passed to conduct random checks at hotels, guesthouses and lodgement centres,' the spokesperson said. Police have urged citizens and pilgrims to cooperate with the naka teams, keep valid identity proofs and report any suspicious activity immediately. 'Public support remains crucial in maintaining peace and order during the holy yatra,' the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, Joginder Singh, along with the group commander of the SPG and other senior police officers, conducted a comprehensive security review along the yatra route, from the traffic checkpost at Nagrota to Saloora along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. The high-level team inspected deployment points and interacted with officers deployed along the route, the spokesperson said. 'A detailed briefing session was held to apprise the officers of the current threat scenario and the standard operating procedures to be followed while performing duties,' he said. The officers were directed to conduct daily anti-sabotage checks, particularly in areas where expressway construction is underway, which have been identified as vulnerable zones, he said, adding, 'Emphasis was also laid on maintaining high alertness and ensuring coordinated efforts among all security agencies.' The SSP underlined the importance of inter-agency cooperation and a timely response to any situation, reiterating the administration's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure passage for all pilgrims. PTI AB RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
