Baltal, July 3 -- As a fresh batch of pilgrims set off on Thursday for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri stated that the Yatra was not just a religious one, but one of the people.

He further stated that security forces, porters, tent service providers and others had been involved in the Yatra.

"This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. It is a Yatra of the people. Security forces, 'pitthus', tent every service provider is involved in it... The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone's wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country..." Bidhuri told ANI.

Earlier, devotees chanted "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam ...