Srinagar: A fresh batch of about 9,000 pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir.
Meanwhile, over 1.49 lakh devotees had paid obeisance at the cave shrine during the past 12 days, since the commencement of the 40-day-long pilgrimage from June 29. Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra expressed concern over the death of 14 pilgrims since the commencement of the yatra.
Seven worshippers had died in a ‘militant’ attack at Anantnag last night, in which 21 others were wounded. A fresh batch of over 3000 pilgrims left Bagwati Nagar base camp at Jammu for base camps in Kashmir early this morning. Despite wet weather and militant attack, the pilgrimage was progressing smoothly to the cave shrine. A fresh batch of over 3600 pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Baltal base camp early this morning for the holy cave shrine. The pilgrims are likely to reach the cave shrine after covering the distance of about 14 km hilly track on foot. Similarly, the pilgrims who had a night halt near the cave shrine camp, have also started their return journey to Baltal early this morning, a yatra official told UNI.
Meanwhile, the devotees, who had returned to base camp after having paid obeisance yesterday, left for their homes this morning under unprecedented security arrangements. The official said that a fresh batch of about 5000 yatris, who had arrived yesterday from Jammu, also left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the first halting station on the traditional route. The pilgrims, who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting stations on the traditional route, have also started their foot journey towards the cave shrine.
