Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, July 2

The first batch of yatris for the annual Amarnath Yatra left Jammu on Thursday under heavy security after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.

The 57-day yatra to the Amarnath Cave shrine in the south Kashmir will begin on Friday via the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district, and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Authorities said 4822 yatris travelled in the first convoy of 259 vehicles amid multi-layered security arrangements.

LG Sinha performed prayers at the base camp before flagging off the convoy and wished devotees a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

“Amarnath Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening,” he said, adding that every step of the yatra reflected devotees’ faith in lord Shiva.

Among those present at the ceremony were Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma and senior civil and police officials.

Pilgrims expressed confidence in the security arrangements despite heightened precautions following last year’s attack in Pahalgam.

“We have full faith in our security forces. There is no fear,” said Bipin, a devotee from Chandigarh undertaking the pilgrimage for the seventh consecutive year.

Many yatris said improved facilities at the Jammu base camp, including registration and accommodation, had made the journey more convenient.

Authorities have established on-the-spot registration centres at the Tawi riverfront and other locations in Jammu to facilitate late registrations.

Officials said 2510 yatris travelling in 112 vehicles were bound for the Pahalgam route, while 2312 yatris in 147 vehicles were headed to the Baltal route.

More than 3.5 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s yatra, for which authorities have deployed one of the largest security grids ever, involving the Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.