Fresh batch of pilgrims leave for Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar
Aug 02, 2024
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 2 : A fresh batch of pilgrims left from the Srinagar base camp for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra which entered into its final stage on Friday.
Yogesh, a pilgrim from Mumbai, told ANI, "From Baltal, we are going to pay a visit to Babaji. I am excited. I had a desire to visit there. We are satisfied with the facilities, especially with the security arrangements".
Addressing the concerns of security amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, he added, "I did not experience any kind of unease after arriving here".
Yogesh said that everyone should visit the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Balakrishan who came from Hyderabad arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to visit the Amarnath cave.
"After completing some paper formalities, we got to know that a convoy will leave from here. That would be safe," he told ANI. " Initially. we thought of going to Baltal by a private vehicle. Lot of facilities have been made for the pilgrims at the Baltal".
"We are excited about the trip. I have come here for the first time to perform the Amarnath Yatra," he added.
The Yatra which is conducted by the Shri Amranathji Shrine Board is divided into two routes, one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims.
The Yatra, which commenced formally on June 29 from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir, is scheduled to conclude on August 19.
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier on July 24, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, VK Birdi, convened a joint security review meeting at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam. IGP Kashmir directed all security agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra.
The meeting also focused on strategies to counter terrorism and maintain law and order in the Pahalgam axis. The review meeting underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the South Kashmir Himalayas.
