Pilgrims Embark on Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Security

A fresh batch of pilgrims began their journey to the Amarnath shrine amid heightened security. Extensive measures, including electronic surveillance and road advisories, are in place following recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19.

Another fresh batch of pilgrims departed for their journey to the Amarnath shrine under heightened security measures on Sunday morning. The enthusiastic pilgrims set forth from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp towards the Baltal and Pahalgam yatra base camps.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes the Amarnath Yatra to allow pilgrims to seek blessings and connect with their faith. The yatra 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. With the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have reinforced security for this year's pilgrimage following recent terror attacks.

Unprecedented security measures, including electronic surveillance along the entire yatra route and access control, have been implemented. This follows recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, including an attack on an army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur.

Security around the Jammu base camp of the Amarnath Yatra and the National Highway has been heightened with special nakas and checks. Security forces are also employing CCTV cameras to monitor movement.

Amarnath Yatra pilgrims are arriving in large numbers at the Jammu base camp and have expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements. This year's pilgrimage occurs amid a significant rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 8, five soldiers were killed and many injured in an ambush in Kathua district.

To ensure the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims and commuters during the yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police issued an advisory on July 6 for National Highway 44, detailing cut-off timings and instructions for convoy and non-convoy movements. On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police of Kashmir, VK Birdi, convened a security meeting at Nunwan Base Camp to ensure coordinated efforts for a safe yatra.

The yatra began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, spanning 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.