Anantnag, June 20 -- Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday assured topmost security to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.

Shekhawat, who visited the Martand Sun Temple at Mattan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, also appealed to the pilgrims to preserve the environment and natural beauty of the valley.

"People should come for the Amarnath yatra. The Amarnath yatra is safe, the Government of India and the state government are committed, and you will not get even a scratch," Shekhawat said.

The Amarnath yatra will be held from July 3 to August 9.

Shekhawat also visited the nearby tourist resort of Pahalgam, where terrorists struck on April 22, killing 25 tourists and a local pony operator.

He said Kashmir is safe an...