Holy Amarnath Yatra begins

With thousands of devotees from around the country all eager to begin their journey to the holy shrine, the annual Amarnath Yatra has begun this morning.

The Yatra was flagged off from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes in Jammu and Kashmir.

#AmarnathYatra : A total of 1617 pilgrims (1174 men, 379 women, 15 children, 49 saints) began their journey to Amarnath cave shrine from Baltal axis and 2800 pilgrims (2321 men, 463 women, 16 children) started from Pahalgam axis, this morning. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/CBTuELRdKq

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2019

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Khalid Jehangir flagged off the journey of the first batch of around 1200 yatris from Nunwan Pahalgam base camp.

Speaking to the media Jehangir said that all requisite arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and safe journey to the shrine.

The 46-day yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 15.

According to reports, convoys have been deployed on Srinagar-Jammu National highway, J&K police has beefed up security, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and the army are providing security cover to ensure smooth passage of the yatris.

Jammu & Kashmir: ITBP personnel deployed at highway in Ganderbal, for security en-route Amrnath cave shrine. #AmarnathYatra pic.twitter.com/5aiitD2Km9

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2019

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have been affixed in all Yatra vehicles.