J&K: Amarnath Yatra commences as 1st batch of pilgrims departs
About 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure yatra's smooth conduct
About 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure yatra's smooth conduct
About 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure yatra's smooth conduct
About 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure yatra's smooth conduct
The first batch of pilgrims started the journey to the holy Amarnath cave shrine on Monday morning amid tight security. The first batch of approximately1,200 yatris were flagged off from the Nunwan Pahalgam base camp by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Khalid Jehangir.
Approximately 1.5 lakh pilgrims have registered to undertake the Amarnath Yatra this year. The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 15, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, who is also chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), will attend the traditional "Pratham Pooja" at the cave shrine on Monday.
On Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh inspected preparations for the Amarnath Yatra on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Singh assessed preparedness at various places such as Galandar, Barsoo Letpora, Awantipora Crossing, Walnut Factory and Shaitani Nallah. At Shaitani Nallah, where the pilgrims' convoy is exchanged, the DGP was briefed about the preparedness and procedures adopted by the convoy commanders, a police spokesperson said.
As many as 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. Home Minister Amit Shah had taken stock of the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week.
The Amarnath Yatra pilgrims can take two routes: the traditional 36km journey via Pahalgam in Anantnag and the shorter 14km route via Baltal in Ganderbal. In 2018, over 2.85 lakh pilgrims visited the Amarnath cave.