Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Security in Jammu and Kashmir
A new group of pilgrims started their journey to the Amarnath shrine from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, under tight security on Saturday morning.
The pilgrims set out from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp towards the Baltal and Pahalgam yatra base camps. They aim to seek blessings and connect with their faith at the holy shrine.
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.
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 pilgrims and commuters, 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.
