BALTAL JULY 02: Jammu and Kashmir  National Conference President and MemberParliament Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday visited Baltal, the basecamp of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Panjtarni on the Kashmir Himalayas and took stock of arrangements made for thepilgrims thronging from across the country.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah, accompanied by Provincial PresidentJammu Mr. Devender Singh Rana, was briefed about the facilities created for thesmooth conduct of the pilgrimage   atvarious points on track besides base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal.

Interacting with yatris at both Panjtarni and Baltal, Dr.Abdullah described Amarnath Ji Yatra as a shining symbol of Kashmir’s glorioussecular ethos and its unique spirit of unity in diversity. He said that peopleof Kashmir have all along demonstrated high degree of hospitality from timesimmemorial for the successful conduct of this ancient pilgrimage.

Praying for peace and tranquility in the State and theCountry, Dr. Abdullah hoped that the pilgrims will return back their homes asambassadors of harmony and amity, the corner- stone of Kashmir's heritage. Hewished pilgrims successful and blissful yatra. He exuded confidence that theirstay in the valley will be memorable.

At various yatra points, the pilgrims gave account of theirjourney up to the base camps and expressed satisfaction over the arrangementsmade by the authorities.They also gave suggestions for making further improvementsin the arrangements.

Dr. Abdullah urged Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and theState Government for ensuring all comforts in terms of boarding, lodging andother logistics for the pilgrims. He called for synergized efforts by variousagencies in streamlining and making the yatra successful.

Later, Mr. Devender Singh Rana visited the holy cave shrineand paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum. He prayed for universalbrotherhood, peace and tranquility in the State and the Country.