Jammu, July 2 -- Amid tight security and spiritual enthusiasm, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday morning flagged off the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.

Chants of "Bum Bum Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev" echoed as the convoy of pilgrims set out towards the sacred cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas.

An official told that two batches of more than 3500 pilgrims left Jammu this morning.

Security has been intensified along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), with elaborate arrangements in place to ensure the safe passage of yatris under strict surveillance.

In a post on X, LG Sinha wrote, "Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy a...