Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, July 4 :
The third batch of 6,411 pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra left Jammu on Friday morning under multi-layered security cover, as the 38-day religious pilgrimage enters its second day.
Officials told news agency JKNS that the pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys one bound for Baltal and the other for Pahalgam base camp.
Out of the total yatris, 4,723 were men, 1,071 women, 487 sadhus, 93 sadhvis, and 37 children, they said.
“A total of 291 vehicles were deployed, including 130 buses, 46 medium vehicles, 113 light vehicles, and two motorbikes,” an official said.
Of these, 2,789 pilgrims opted for the Baltal route while 3,622 took the Pahalgam route, both accompanied by security personnel and medical teams, they said.
Extensive security arrangements have been placed along the Yatra route, including highway surveillance, drone monitoring, and real-time coordination among the Army, J&K Police, CRPF, and other paramilitary agencies.
Annual Amarnath yatra, began on July 3 and will continue till August 9. (JkNS)