Amarnath Yatra begins today; first batch of pilgrims reaches Kashmir Valley

With elaborate and multiple security rings in place, the first batch of pilgrims arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Friday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which will start from the twin base camps in the Valley on Saturday.   

Earlier in the day, J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4,603 pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, with devotees raising slogans and singing hymns.

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“In the last three to four years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the yatra. The J&K administration has completed all the necessary arrangements this time too. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage,” Mr. Sinha said.

Over 4,000 pilgrims

The first batch of over 4,000 pilgrims, including nine children, boarded a cavalcade of 231 vehicles in Jammu and reached south Kashmir in the afternoon.

This year, the Amarnath Yatra will be held for 52 days. Pilgrims in lakhs are expected to trek from the twin base camps located in south and central Kashmir’s tourist places of Pahalgam and Sonmarg respectively. The traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district is 48 km long  and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district is 14 km. The cave shrine is located at an altitude of 13,000 feet. 

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flags off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims at a base camp, in Jammu, Friday, June 28, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI

Hundreds of local Muslims, who work as pony-walas, palanquin carriers and horse service providers, have already arrived at the twin base camps. “Like every year, people will get love and affection from J&K‘s residents. People from all over the country will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva,” BJP leader Devender Singh Rana said.

This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under the shadow of militant threat after nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured in Reasi on June 9 when militants attacked a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori to Katra. 

J&K Director General of Police R.R. Swain, who toured the base camps on Thursday, stressed the need to follow the cut-off timings for vehicles carrying pilgrims to the Valley. He directed the security agencies to remain vigilant, adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and conduct regular training and drills, “especially to prepare for any unforeseen contingencies that may arise during the pilgrimage”.

Three-tier security

Security agencies have made elaborate arrangements for patrolling, monitoring highways and for night domination exercises. A three-tier security set-up is in place at the base camp in the Bhagwati Nagar area in Jammu, after the recent spurt in militancy. Special Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been constituted too. 

Mr. Sinha, who visited the base camp at Baltal, also directed senior officers of the administration, police, security forces and other stakeholder departments to coordinate with each other for better security and yatra management.

Around 4.5 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine last year. Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage till date this year.