Over 90,000 Pilgrims Join Amarnath Yatra as Security Remains Tight and Locals Extend Warm Welcome
Srinagar, July 8 – The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, is progressing peacefully for the fifth consecutive day, witnessing a surge in pilgrim turnout. On Tuesday, another group of 7,541 devotees departed for Kashmir, marking a significant rise in participation. Since the pilgrimage commenced on July 3, over 90,000 pilgrims have already taken part.
According to officials, Tuesday’s group left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two secure convoys. The first convoy, comprising 148 vehicles and 3,321 pilgrims, began its journey to the Baltal base camp at 2:55 AM. The second convoy, with 161 vehicles carrying 4,220 pilgrims, departed at 4:03 AM toward the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
As per agency report, officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) stated that, in addition to those departing from the official base in Jammu, many devotees are directly arriving at transit camps and base camps to register on-site and join the pilgrimage immediately.
This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under heightened security arrangements, following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed militants. In response, 180 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to strengthen the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. Security personnel have secured the entire route from the Jammu base camp to the cave shrine, including all transit camps and the approach roads to both Baltal and Nunwan base camps.
Despite the heightened alert, the local population has extended full support to the pilgrimage, as in previous years. In a powerful show of solidarity following the Pahalgam incident, local residents were among the first to welcome the initial batch of pilgrims. As the convoy passed through the Nawgam tunnel and entered the Kashmir Valley via Qazigund, locals greeted them warmly, emphasizing their support for peace and communal harmony.
The 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9. The journey holds immense religious significance for devotees, as legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Goddess Parvati in the sacred cave. With tight security, community cooperation, and continued devotion, this year’s Yatra is unfolding with deep spiritual fervor and national unity.
