India, July 3 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra and called upon them to observe five "Sankalps" (resolves) focused on cleanliness, safety, environmental conservation, support for the local economy and national service.

His message came as the second batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under tight security arrangements. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board's Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote in Ramban district was also illuminated in tricolour lights to mark the occasion.

In a letter to devotees of Lord Shiva, the Prime Minister described the pilgrimage as a deeply significant spiritual journey.

"Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra...