Budha Amarnath Yatra begins from Aug 3 in Poonch, J

Jammu, Apr 30 (UNI) The eight-day long annual Budha Amarnath Yatra will commence from August 3 in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

National convenor, Bajrang Dal (BD), Parkash Sharma along with state president of Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP), Dr Rama Kant Dubey, announced it at a press conference here yesterday.

''The Yatra is expected to surpass last year's record as pilgrims will reach here on August 1 and on August 2 other rituals and Chari Poojan will be performed,'' Mr Sharama said, adding that the last batch will perform darshan on August 10.

''Though over one lakh devotees performed darshan last year, it is hoped that this number may increase this year,'' he added saying, ''the assembly elections are round the corner in Jammu and Kashmir, so there is every apprehension that the Yatra may face hardships. The government should ensure fool proof security to yatris.'' However, Mr Dubey also appealed to the people to make this Yatra a success and defeat the nefarious designs of those who want to create impediments in its way.

UNI VBH SP KP1830