Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, July 28: Over 2450 Shri Budha Amarnathji pilgrim in 44 vehicles reached Poonch town from Jammu here this evening.
Most of the pilgrims who arrived today from Jammu base camp hail from Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana. They started from Jammu base camp in the morning. The batch of yatris was accorded warm reception at Sunderbani, Rajouri and Bhimber Gali enroute Poonch.
It is pertinent to mention here that the pilgrims’ number is increasing day by day. A sharp increase in the number of yatris has been witnessed in last few days. The pilgrims were received at Poonch town by the Yatra Reception Committee members and Addl SP Poonch, Yougal Manhas. Senior local leader and former Chairman of MC, Poonch Yash Pal Sharma, SD Sabha president and other office bearers of VHP and Bajrang Dal district body members, Akhara Mandir management committee and other prominent citizens were also present.
Additional accommodation has been arranged by the local administration for the increasing number of pilgrims besides at Degree College, two Higher Secondary schools, Geeta Bhawan and ITI building. The pilgrims will leave for Shri Budha Amarnath shrine at Mandi town in the morning. Rashtriya Rifles unit located at Mandi has arranged a Langar for Yatris at Mandi town.