Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Security in Jammu and Kashmir
A new group of pilgrims has started the Amarnath Yatra from the Panthachwok Srinagar base camp under strict security measures. The pilgrims are heading towards the base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam to connect with their faith and seek blessings.
Prem Sharma, a pilgrim, said, “The facilities provided at the base camp are really good. The security is tight and the CRPF teams go with us to the base camps and also bring us back safely. I will pray for the safety of Kashmir. Everyone should come here at least once.”
Devendra Sharma, another pilgrim, said, “I am feeling very good. All the arrangements made here are really good. The security measures taken are very top-notch. This is the first time we have come here and we wish to come again.”
Sunita Sharma, a pilgrim from Jaipur, added, “The security arrangements made are really good. Women are also able to roam around freely. The CRPF teams have done a commendable job.”
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes the Amarnath Yatra, which is divided into 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.
On Monday, July 15, a brief exchange of fire occurred between security forces and terrorists late at night in the Bhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. Four soldiers lost their lives in the encounter that broke out in the Desa Forest area. Another encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in the Kastigarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, police said on Thursday. The Jammu and Kashmir police and the army have been working together to search for terrorists in those areas.
This year, the yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Doubts Revealed
Amarnath Yatra -: The Amarnath Yatra is a religious journey that Hindus take to visit the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir. The cave has a special ice formation that looks like a Shiva Lingam, which is very sacred to Hindus.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys, but it has also faced issues with terrorism and security.
Panthachwok Srinagar base camp -: Panthachwok is a place in Srinagar, which is the largest city in Jammu and Kashmir. The base camp is where pilgrims start their journey to the Amarnath Cave.
CRPF -: CRPF stands for Central Reserve Police Force. It is a special police force in India that helps maintain law and order and provides security, especially in areas with high risk of violence.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board -: The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is an organization that manages the Amarnath Yatra. They make sure everything is organized and safe for the pilgrims.
Pahalgam and Baltal -: Pahalgam and Baltal are two different routes that pilgrims can take to reach the Amarnath Cave. Pahalgam is a longer and more traditional route, while Baltal is shorter but steeper.
terror attacks -: Terror attacks are violent acts carried out by groups or individuals to create fear and chaos. In Jammu and Kashmir, there have been issues with such attacks, which is why security is very tight during the yatra.
encounters -: Encounters refer to violent clashes between security forces and terrorists. These encounters often happen when security forces try to stop terrorists from carrying out attacks.
