Amarnath Yatra 2019 begins amid high security

Srinagar: The first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra left for the cave shrine early Monday morning amid tight security. Over 40,000 security forces personnel have been deployed for the pilgrimage season.

1.6 lakh people from across the country have registered for the yatra that begins today.

The first batch of pilgrims had left Jammu for the Kashmir Valley on Sunday. The pilgrimage season that officially opened Monday, will see people starting their journey from the Pahalgam and the Baltal base camps in the valley.

“It will be a peaceful yatra. From the next year onwards, we will not have to worry about the security situation at all,” said Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh who was in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The 45-day long annual Yatra to the Himalayan Cave Shrine situated 3,888 metres above the sea-level will end on August 15 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

According to the devotees, the shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Using the uphill trek of 14-km from Baltal allows the pilgrims ‘darshan’ inside the cave and return to the base camp the same day. Helicopter services have also been made available for the pilgrims from Baltal.

“On Monday, the yatris comprising 3,543 men, 843 women besides 31 children left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in an escorted convoy of 142 vehicles.

“Of these, 1,617 pilgrims will reach the Baltal base camp and 2,800 the Pahalgam one. Authorities have decided not to allow any traffic in the opposite direction on the Jammu-Srinagar highway till 3.30 p.m. in order to ensure smooth passage to the yatris towards the valley,” an officer added.