Over 4,000 pilgrims arrived amid tight security at the base camp to begin their journey to the Amarnath cave shrine on Tuesday.
“Roughly over 4,000 yatris have arrived from various parts of the country in Jammu today. More pilgrims are arriving,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Farooq Khan said.
The first batch of pilgrim will leave from the Bhagwati Nagar-based Yatri Niwas, base camp of Amarnath yatra in Jammu, for their onward journey to the shrine located at a height of 13500 ft.
Mr. Khan, who welcomed the pilgrims at the newly set up reception-cum-assistance centre at Kunjwani on the outskirts of Jammu city, said that adequate security measures have been taken for the yatra period.
“We have asked pilgrims and their families to pray for peace to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir when they pay obeisance at the cave shrine,” the DIG said.
Security apparatus in and around the base camp has been activated, he said, adding officers have been asked to remain vigilant and maintain coordination with various agencies to ensure smooth conduct of yatra.
Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas was opened today for registration of pilgrims for lodging. With a multi-tier security, the Niwas spread in an area of several hectares of land has started community kitchens, assistance booths, joint control room, registration centre as well as boarding and lodging areas.
