Authorities enforce strict security, daily cap for smooth Yatra
Srinagar: More than 12,000 pilgrims on Friday offered prayers at the holy Amarnath Cave shrine on the opening day of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, as the 57-day pilgrimage commenced amid tight security and elaborate administrative arrangements across Kashmir.
Officials said nearly 12,100 devotees had darshan of the naturally formed ice Shivling at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas during the first day of the pilgrimage. The devotees included around 9,350 men, 2,250 women, over 200 children, 70 sadhus, nine transgender pilgrims, and more than 260 security personnel.
The Yatra began early Friday morning simultaneously from the twin routes — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Despite intermittent rainfall in several parts of Kashmir, pilgrims began their journey at first light with chants of “Bum BumBhole” reverberating across the base camps.
The first batches of yatris, including men, women and sadhus, were flagged off from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam and the Baltal base camp in Sonamarg by district officials amid heightened enthusiasm and religious fervour.
Authorities have put in place a multi-layer security grid for the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. Thousands of personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, and other central armed police forces have been deployed along the Yatra routes, base camps and transit points. Security agencies are also carrying out aerial surveillance and real-time monitoring to prevent any untoward incident.
Officials said strict crowd management measures have been implemented following safety advisories and directions regarding daily pilgrim limits. The administration has reiterated that no pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the Yatra before their registered date, urging devotees to travel strictly according to their allotted schedule.
According to officials, the daily cap on the number of pilgrims has been fixed in line with safety norms to ensure better crowd control and reduce risks associated with difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Authorities have advised pilgrims to follow all safety protocols, including weather advisories and movement restrictions, especially in vulnerable stretches.
Advance registration for the pilgrimage had been opened through bank branches across the country and online platforms well before the commencement of the Yatra. Officials said most pilgrims had completed registration in advance, while Tatkal registration slots remain limited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and several dignitaries extended greetings to devotees on the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
In a special message to pilgrims, PM Modi described the Yatra as a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage and unity in diversity. He urged devotees to take five pledges during the pilgrimage — maintaining cleanliness, ensuring safety, supporting local livelihoods through the Vocal for Local initiative, promoting environmental conservation, and strengthening the spirit of Nation First.
