RAJOURI, Aug 3, 2013: Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan today received first batch of Buddha Amaranthji yatries at Rajouri and flagged them off for Darshan in the Himalayan shrine of Lord Shiva in border district of Poonch.

Buddha Amaranth shrine of Lord Shiva is located in picturesque mountain belt of Mandi area near Indo-Pak border in Poonch district. 

The yatra will conclude on August 13th - the day of Sharvan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan day). 

Welcoming the yatries, The Minister said that government has made all necessary arrangements for visiting yatries at the holy shrine and en-route to the cave. He said the yatra will give economic boost to the border belt of Rajouri and Poonch as pilgrims from various parts of the country come to Poonch for darshan of lord Shiva.

"The number of yatries is increasing every passing year. Security measures have been put in place for hassle free yatra," he added.

He said the government is committed to give boost to pilgrim tourism in the state and efforts are being made to create required infrastructural facilities at pilgrim sites in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch and showcase them through promotional campaigns in and outside the Country to attract more and more pilgrims to the visit of holy shrines in the area. The Minister directed the district administration of Rajouri and Poonch for ensuring all possible facilities to the yatries at all camps. He also instructed Health department for providing maximum healthcare facilities to the pilgrims adding that any lapses in this regard would be viewed seriously.

Source: Kashmir Times, DT. August 4, 2013.