Amarnath Yatra to begin on June 18

Jammu, Apr 3 (UNI) The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra will begin here on June 18, on the occasion of Vrat Purnima, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said, informing about the magnificent formation of Shiva Lingam after three years.

During the 14th meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), Lt Gen Sinha said, ''We feel encouraged by this development, which is a good omen for this year's pilgrimage.'' The board has geared up for making elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of two-month yatra.

Addressing the members of SASB, the Governor, also the board's Chairman, expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for ensuring that the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatri Niwas here would be completed within a month well before the commencement of this year's yatra.

The Governor, who has remained associated with the yatra for the past five consecutive years, regretted that some people have been raking up non-issues at the start of the yatra to create confusion in the public mind.

However, the board unanimously decided to start the yatra simultaneously from Pahalgam and Baltal routes from June 18, which would conclude on Sravana Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 16.

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