Srinagar, June 30: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik on Sunday hailed Muslims for their support in conducting Amarnath Yatra. The first batch of Amarnath Yatris left Jammu today for the Kashmir Valley, to begin this year's annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine. Governor Satyapal Malik said the state police or the Army is not conducting Amarnath Yatra but "our Muslim brothers".

"The security for the yatra is our responsibility and we are taking care of it. But police or Army do not conduct the yatra. For many years, the Amarnath Yatra is being conducted by the people of Kashmir, especially our Muslim brothers. The yatra takes place with their support," Malik told reporters. The 45-day long Amarnath Yatra will officially commence from Monday and conclude on August 15 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival. Amarnath Yatra 2019: Schedule, Yatra Route, Helicopter Bookings and More; All You Need to Know.

"If all of us work together, it will be successful," Malik added. Asked whether there will be a change in the Modi government's Kashmir police with Amit Shah being appointed as the Union home minister, the Governor said he had not seen anything of that sort yet. "I am not seeing anything like that yet, but Amit Shah’s leadership is a very successful leadership and whatever work he has undertaken, he has been successful in it," Malik said.

Authorities have made elaborate security arrangments to ensure a smooth, violence-free Amarnath Yatra this year. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah last week visited Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed the security arrangements for the pilgrimage. Situated at 3,888 metres above sea-level, the Amarnath shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva, according to the devotees.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2019 08:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).