Jammu, Jul 5 (NVI): A fresh batch of 6,721 pilgrims, including 87 foreign nationals, left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here early Sunday for the twin base camps of the annual Amarnath Yatra under tight security arrangements, officials said.
Of the total pilgrims, 2,590 opted for the shorter Baltal route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, while 4,131 chose the traditional Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The batch comprised 4,576 men, 1,310 women, 22 children, 572 sadhus, 154 sadhvis and 87 foreign devotees.
Officials said the Baltal-bound convoy, comprising 152 vehicles, departed Bhagwati Nagar at 3.15 am, while the Pahalgam-bound convoy of 139 vehicles left at 3.45 am.
The pilgrims are expected to reach the Baltal and Nunwan base camps before proceeding to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine for darshan.
The annual pilgrimage is being conducted under a multi-layered security arrangement with coordinated efforts by the civil administration, police, security forces and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to ensure a safe and smooth yatra.(NVI)
