Yatris proceed to Baltal Base and Nunwan Base camps
Srinagar: The first batch of 4,822 pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra received a grand welcome in Kashmir on Thursday, with flower petals, garlands and bouquets greeting devotees as they entered the Valley under a robust multi-layer security cover.
The first convoy was flagged off earlier in the day by Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid chants of “Bam BamBhole” and heightened spiritual fervour ahead of the pilgrimage.
As the convoy crossed into Kashmir through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, devotees were welcomed by police and civil administration officials in a symbolic gesture reflecting Kashmir’s traditional hospitality.
Senior officers, including the IG CRPF and DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, received the yatris with garlands and flower petals, while security forces maintained strict surveillance along the route.
The convoys later moved separately towards the twin base camps at Baltal Base Camp and Nunwan Base Camp, from where pilgrims will begin the onward trek on Friday to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave shrine.
With the formal commencement of the yatra, Anantnag Police also accorded a warm reception to the pilgrims entering the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure personally interacted with devotees and extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
“We welcome all devotees with warmth and respect. Comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth and peaceful yatra for every pilgrim,” Nagpure said.
He said elaborate security, traffic management and public facilitation measures have been established in coordination with the civil administration, CAPFs, health department and other stakeholder agencies.
According to officials, dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been positioned along the route to provide guidance, emergency response and logistical support.
SSP Nagpure urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
“We request yatris to follow all advisories, cooperate with security personnel and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended object to the nearest police official,” he said.
Authorities said security arrangements this year are among the most extensive in recent years, with multi-tier deployment, surveillance systems, traffic regulation and emergency response mechanisms activated along both routes.
The annual 57-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine will officially begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Pilgrims can undertake the journey through either the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Pahalgam, known for its gradual ascent, or the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
