Pilgrims from Delhi Begin Amarnath Yatra with High Security

Another group of pilgrims has left Srinagar for the Amarnath Yatra, traveling through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The pilgrimage, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, is under tight security due to recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Coming from Delhi, Sukhpal Singh, a pilgrim, said, “We are going to undertake Amarnath Yatra via Baltal. I am excited. Facilities here are up to mark. Security has been deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra. It is a moment of happiness.”

Sunil, another pilgrim from New Delhi, shared his excitement, “We are going to Baltal. This time proper arrangements have been made. Army soldiers have been deployed to facilitate the Amarnath Yatra, and Jammu and Kashmir police also chipped in. Everyone should come and undertake the Amarnath Yatra.”

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

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

The Yatra, which started on June 29 and will end on August 19, involves a journey to a holy cave in the Kashmir Himalayas.