Top News

Amid tight security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chhoti Amarnath Yatra was flagged off from Sharda Mata Temple in Kalusa, Bandipora on Friday morning. The yatra was flagged off in the presence of Bandipora ADC Zafar Hussain and SSP Bandipora.

According to the information given by the administration, a total of 108 devotees have participated in this year’s short Amarnath Yatra. These include youth, women and elderly people. The yatra started with prayers at Sharda Mata temple, after which the devotees were sent to Arin Dardpora via buses. From there the devotees will undertake an arduous trek of about 7.5 kilometers to visit the holy cave.

A devotee participating in the yatra said, “There are about 25 women in this group, while the rest are 98-100 men. We are going to leave for worship at Lord Shankar’s temple. As far as the arrangements are concerned, we have received very good cooperation from every department.”

While sharing his experience, another devotee from Gurugram, Haryana said, “I have come from Gurgaon, Haryana. I used to participate in this Yatra when I was young. However, this Yatra had stopped for some time. Ever since it has started again, the administration, CRPF and Army have been organizing it very well for the last two-three years.”

Regarding the arrangements for the yatra, Bandipora ADC Zafar Hussain said, “Like every year, the yatra is being organized from here today too. Just like we had made arrangements for it last year, similar arrangements have been made this year too. Other arrangements have also been made, which include preparing trekking routes, ensuring adequate supply of water and arranging medical facilities.”

The administration has made strict security arrangements on the yatra route. CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel have been deployed at various places. Besides, arrangements for medical team, water and langar have also been made so that the devotees do not have to face any kind of problem.