Srinagar, July 2 -- Amid an unprecedented security arrangement, the first batch of nearly 5,000 pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra arrived in Kashmir on Thursday and was accorded a warm welcome by civil and security officials.
The convoy, flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu early in the morning, reached the Valley via the Navyug Tunnel around noon.
The pilgrims were received at Qazigund by Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir, Javed Mattoo, Senior Superintendent of Police Kulgam Anayat Ali Chowdhary, senior CRPF officers and district administration officials.
The devotees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the elaborate arrangements made for the pilgrimage.
According to off...