Jammu, July 3 -- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reiterated the Centre's commitment to the inclusive development of the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir and lauded the local residents for their courage during Operation Sindoor.

Sinha was addressing a gathering during his visit to the border village of Changiya in Arnia sector here, an official spokesperson said. Sinha also paid obeisance at the Daati Maa Dev Sthan.

He prayed for a safe and smooth Amarnath pilgrimage, which will begin in the Kashmir Himalayas on Thursday. The first batch of 5,892 pilgrims was flagged off by the LG from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp early Wednesday.

Sinha lauded the courage displayed by the residents of border villages during Operation S...