Jammu, Jul 1 (UNI) Amid the chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole', first batch of 1,282 Amarnath pilgrims was today flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh from Yatri Niwas base camp here. A batch of 1,282 pilgrims, comprising 900 males, 225 females, 13 children, 144 male sadhus and a sadhvi this morning left for the Kashmir Valley. Dr Singh signalled green to the first bus, which left the base camp at 0505 hrs while the last vehicle left at 0525 hrs. Total 33 vehicles, including 3 SRTC, six light motor vehicles and 27 other vehicles, proceeded towards the Srinagar. The batch will be flagged off tomorrow from Srinagar for the cave shrine. Addressing the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government has made all arrangements, including security, for the pilgrims. He said that the government is committed to provide all facilities to the pilgrims visiting J&K from across the country. MP Jugal Kishore and MoS Tourism Priya Sethi were also present on the occasion. The convoy was escorted by the security personnel and an ambulance on the highway. The 49-day long yatra will end on August 15. UNI VBH SV 0825