On Friday, a new group of pilgrims departed from the Pantha Chowk Base Camp to begin their trip in the Amarnath Yatra.
With much excitement, the pilgrims set out for the sacred location amid tight security, heading for the base camps of the Baltal and Pahalgam Yatras, where they would connect with their faith and seek blessings.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organises the Amarnath Yatra, which is divided into two routes: one that goes through Pahalgam and the other that goes through Baltal. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A devotee travelling from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan said, “The services are great. I thank the brothers from the army; because of them, we are able to successfully complete the yatra. We didn’t have any problems; the services were very good. I prayed to God to keep everyone happy and at peace. I also prayed for the brothers in the army; because of them, we are safe here.”
Another pilgrim said, “I have been doing the Amarnath Yatra for the past 11 years. This time the services were great, and the pilgirms are facing no issues. From medicine to food, we are getting every facility from here.”
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of 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.
Further, 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.
On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police of Kashmir, VK Birdi, convened a crucial coordination and security meeting at Nunwan Base Camp to work in close coordination 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. The devotees of Lord Shiva undertake the arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave, which is located in the Kashmir Himalayas. (ANI)
