JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 (BANJY-25) from the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, formally marking the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.

The flag-off ceremony took place at 6:26 AM in the presence of Union Minister Keshav Raju, who was the Chief Guest, and Sangathan Minister (Central India) Surinder.

Senior officials present at the event included Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar (IAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner Sher Singh, Inspector General of Police Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti (IPS), DIG Jammu Shiv Kumar (IPS), DIG (Ops) CRPF Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu Joginder Singh, and SSP Security Rajesh Kumar Sharma.

On the occasion, LG Manoj Sinha said, "More than 1,000 pilgrims left for the Budha Amarnath Yatra today. Pilgrims from across the country are participating in this sacred journey. Adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure their safety. More than 3.77 lakh devotees have completed the Amarnath Yatra so far, and I am thankful to the J&K administration for making dedicated efforts for the convenience of the devotees."

The Lieutenant Governor also extended his best wishes to the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey and appreciated the coordinated efforts of the administration and security forces in ensuring smooth arrangements for the yatra.