Srinagar — The first batch of nearly 5,500 pilgrims arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
This year’s pilgrimage comes under an unprecedented multi-layered security cover, including facial recognition systems, increased paramilitary deployment, and no-fly zones along both pilgrimage routes — Pahalgam and Baltal. The heightened measures follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives near the Nunwan-Chandanwari track.
Around 299 vehicles carried the first group of pilgrims to the base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Anantnag for acclimatisation. The yatra officially begins Thursday, July 3.
L-G Sinha said that all necessary arrangements had been made by the administration, security forces, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
“Devotees of Bhole Baba are arriving in large numbers, undeterred by recent incidents. I hope this year’s yatra will be historic,” he said.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat welcomed the pilgrims and directed police personnel to ensure peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage, particularly along the Pahalgam axis.
Local communities, including the Pahalgam Alliance, greeted pilgrims with garlands, water, and refreshments. Similar welcoming scenes were reported in Kulgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal.
Many local Muslims have registered with the Labour Department to serve as pony handlers and palanquin carriers.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended good wishes to all devotees, while BJP state president Satpal Sharma called the turnout a “strong show of unity” and said attempts to disturb peace in J&K would not succeed.
