Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 21: While the first batch of 816 pilgrims led by Punjab Health Minister, Lakshmi Kanta Chawla performed ‘Darshan’ at the Shri Budha Amarnathji shrine at Mandi this morning, the second batch of yatris from various parts of the country left for Poonch from here today.
The second batch of 980 pilgrims in nearly 35 vehicles including 27 buses left for Poonch in the morning and reached there at around 6.30 pm. They were accorded warm reception at Sunderbani and Rajouri and finally at Poonch town where they will take night halt.
At Poonch, the second batch of pilgrims was received by Addl SP, Poonch Yougal Manhas, Asstt Commissioner, Yatra Nodal Officer Ashok Kumar and Yatra officer Jagdish Thakur besides SD Sabha president Manjit Kumar, District VHP president Nishu Gupta, Akhara Mandir president, Basant Ram and other prominent citizens.
District Administration, management committees of various religious bodies of Poonch have made elaborate boarding and lodging and other logistic arrangements for the guests. Round the clock ‘Langar’ has been established at Akhara Mandir by the Management Committee with the support of many religious and social organizations besides individuals. These pilgrims have been accommodated in local Degree College, two Higher Secondary Schools, Geeta Bhawan complex and ITI building. Additional paramilitary force men have been deployed at these placers.
Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the State Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals, Ch Bashir Naz, who belonged to this area reviewed the arrangements made for the comfortable stay of the visiting pilgrims. He asked the district administration to ensure security, better communication, transport, food, shelter and water supply to the pilgrims during yatra.
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