Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar Amid Tight Security

On Friday, a new group of pilgrims departed from the Pantha Chowk Base Camp in Srinagar to begin their journey in the Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrims, filled with excitement, set out for the sacred location amid tight security, heading for the base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes the Amarnath Yatra, which has two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.

A devotee from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan expressed gratitude, saying, “The services are great. I thank the brothers from the army; because of them, we are able to successfully complete the yatra. We didn’t have any problems; the services were very good. I prayed to God to keep everyone happy and at peace. I also prayed for the brothers in the army; because of them, we are safe here.”

Another pilgrim shared, “I have been doing the Amarnath Yatra for the past 11 years. This time the services were great, and the pilgrims are facing no issues. From medicine to food, we are getting every facility from here.”

This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 8, five soldiers lost their lives and many were injured in an ambush by terrorists in Kathua district.

To ensure safe and efficient movement of the pilgrims, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police issued an advisory on July 6 on National Highway 44, with cut-off timings and clear instructions for various convoys and non-convoy movements.

On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police of Kashmir, VK Birdi, held a crucial coordination and security meeting at Nunwan Base Camp to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra.

This year, the yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.