BANDIPORA: The annual Chota Amarnath Yatra commenced in Bandipora district on Friday with the pilgrimage being flagged off from Sharda Mandir at Kaloosa, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Zaffar Husson Shawl flagged off the Yatra in the presence of devotees, volunteers and local residents.
According to officials, the district administration, in coordination with the police and other departments, made arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. These included track development, sanitation facilities, langar services, medical assistance, security deployment and provision of drinking water along the route.
The pilgrimage covers a distance of around 15 kilometres from Arin-Dardpora through Shampthan and culminates at the Chota Amarnath Cave. Officials said adequate security personnel, medical teams and volunteers had been deployed at key locations to facilitate the pilgrims and ensure their safety.
Members of the local Muslim community also participated in the flag-off programme and welcomed the pilgrims, extending greetings and wishing them a safe journey.
Among those present were Additional Superintendent of Police Mir Murtaza Hussain Sohil, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Bandipora Mukhtar Ahmad Sofi and other district officers.
