Ramban, July 2 -- Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary on Wednesday welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Banihal.

Chaudhary said the region is witnessing a festival-like atmosphere, with people from all communities warmly welcoming pilgrims.

Expressing hope, he said, "We will pray to Lord Bhola Shankar that next time we welcome these pilgrims to the state of J&K, not to a UT..."

He praised the efforts of security forces and the administration and called the Omar Abdullah-led government patriotic and committed to national unity.

"...We are here to welcome the pilgrims. The Security Forces and the Administration are fulfilling their responsibilities. Today, we can see a festival-like atmosphere in...