Amarnath yatra begins

The annual Amarnath Yatra was flagged off from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes in Jammu & Kashmir this morning.

The first batch of around 1200 yatris were flagged off from Nunwan Pahalgam base camp by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Khalid Jehangir. He said all requisite arrangements are in place to ensure smooth and safe Yatra.

He added that all steps and measures are taken while taking into account the weather conditions, to allow Yatra on mountainous terrain.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), will attend traditional "Pratham Pooja" at the cave shrine today.

The 46-day yatra will conclude on August 15 coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

To ensure the smooth passage of the yatra convoys on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, extra security measures have been put in



place with J&K police, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and the army providing security cover. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have been affixed in all vehicles.

Shri Amarnath Shrine Shrine Board has procured Group Accidental Insurance Policy with a cover of 3 lakh rupees for three lakh registered Yatris and also for various categories of service providers including Ponywallas.

For ensuring effective security arrangements along the difficult tracks, only those Yatris who are in possession of a Yatra Permit will be allowed to proceed beyond the Base Camps and Access Control Gates at both base camps.

Children below 13 years, elderly persons above 75 years and pregnant lady with 6 weeks pregnancy shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. Over 2 lakh 85 thousand Yatris had darshan of Shivlingam last year.