Overview
- More than 9,000 pilgrims left Jammu on Saturday in about 200 JKRTC buses under tight police and paramilitary security for the Kheer Bhawani mela scheduled on June 22.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inspected the Tulmulla shrine on Thursday, offered prayers, met temple priests and ordered departments to resolve outstanding concerns before the mela.
- The administration has set up dedicated medical camps and ambulances, drinking-water points, temporary shelters, designated parking and traffic diversions plus contingency plans for weather and medical emergencies.
- Priests raised specific operational worries during the CM’s visit and Abdullah pledged to address them, while local Muslim residents and volunteers continue to provide langars and logistical help for returning Pandits.
- Officials say turnout is higher this year after diaspora-led visits and organised tours, a development that will test crowd-management resources and inform preparations for the upcoming Amarnath yatra.