Pilgrims Embark on Amarnath Yatra Amid Enhanced Security

A new batch of pilgrims set off from Pantha Chowk to Amarnath Yatra amid heightened security. This year's pilgrimage navigates increased terror threats, with extensive measures in place to ensure safety. The Yatra, which began on June 29, will conclude on August 19.

On Wednesday, another group of pilgrims commenced their journey to the holy shrine of Amarnath from the Pantha Chowk base camp in Srinagar. They embarked towards the Baltal and Pahalgam camps under tight security arrangements.

Madhu, a pilgrim from Haryana, expressed his excitement, 'We've come to seek Baba's blessings. Our base camp is in Baltal, and we are headed there. The arrangements here are excellent. Everyone should make this trip at least once.' Another pilgrim from Bir mentioned, 'The weather is lovely this year, and the arrangements are commendable. However, the crowd is smaller. I am very excited for the journey.' These testimonies underscore the positive traveler experience despite a notable drop in numbers.

Earlier, on July 15, another batch of devotees left under elevated security measures. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes the Yatra via two routes: Pahalgam and Baltal. Baltal, located in Ganderbal district, serves as a campsite for pilgrims. This year's pilgrimage takes place amid a spike in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including incidents in Jammu, Kathua, Doda, and Udhampur.

To counter these threats, unprecedented security measures such as electronic surveillance and access control have been implemented. On July 6, the state traffic police issued an advisory on National Highway 44, detailing cut-off timings and convoy movement instructions to ensure the pilgrims' safe passage.

The Amarnath Yatra, which began on June 29, is set to conclude on August 19, spanning 52 days. This annual pilgrimage draws devotees of Lord Shiva to the sacred cave in the Kashmir Himalayas.

(With inputs from agencies.)