First batch of pilgrims leave for Amarnath yatra

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir for two days beginning tomorrow during which he will offer prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine.Singh will take part in a security review meeting in Srinagar along with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, top civil, police, paramilitary and army officers.The recent incidents of killings in Sopore districts and attacks on telecom companies and security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage are expected to come up for discussion in the meeting, officials said.On Thursday, the Home Minister will visit the holy cave shrine Amarnath where he will offer prayers and conduct a physical review of the steps being taken for the safety of the pilgrims. Singh will be among the first batch of pilgrims to offer prayer at Amarnath as the two-month long pilgrimage to the cave shrine will begin on Thursday.