Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 19: As the annual Shri Budha Amarnathji Yatra commenced, the first batch of 529 pilgrims in 16 buses and other vehicles reached Poonch town, the main base camp about 235 kms from here.
Yatra reception committee members led by Dy Chairman of J&K Legislative Council Jehangir Mir, Dy Commissioner Poonch Nissar Ahmed Wani, SSP JS Johar, heads of SD Sabha, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Akhara Committee members and other districts officers received the yatra in the evening.
National Convenor of Bajrang Dal, Rajesh Pandey and patron of VHP Dr Ramakant Dubey flagged off the yatra in the morning from Yatri Bhawan, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu. Several local officials were also present on the occasion. Manoj Verma and Manohar Aggarwal, Bajrang Dal leaders were leading today’s batch of Yatris.
Since 2005 Bajrang Dal is organizing this annual yatra under the banner of Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra Niyas. At Sunderbani and Rajouri the pilgrims were accorded grand reception by the people and administration. They were offered lunch at Rajouri. The evening tea was arranged by the army authorities near Bhimber Gali.
Under full security arrangements, the yatra escorted by security men reached Poonch this evening. The local administration made arrangements of their stay in local Sarais, Akhara building, SD Sabha and other Government buildings. Tomorrow morning yatra will leave for Shri Budha Amarnath Ji shrine at Mandi.
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