Srinagar, May 20 -- Abdullah visited Ganderbal, a constituency that he represents in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and paid his respects at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in the district.

"We have started our preparations (for the yatra). As far as security is concerned, all arrangements will be put in place. It will be our endeavour to have a successful Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela first, and then an Amarnath Yatra via both routes of Sonamarg and Pahalgam. We want all yatries to return safely," he told reporters.

Mela Kheer Bhawani, an important religious event for Kashmiri Pandits, is likely to be celebrated in the first week of June. Kashmiri Pandits from all parts of the country assemble at the temple of Ragnya Devi. The annual Amarn...