Even as Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath shrine, the Army said it was ready to thwart any attempt to disrupt the tour.
“Elaborate security and logistic arrangements have been put in place for the peaceful conduct of the yatra,” said Dr. Singh.
As the yatra will formally start on Thursday, around 2,280 pilgrims, including 422 women and 47 sadhus, left for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal.
The Meteorological department forecast wet weather for the next three days, including on the yatra routes.
Security agencies fear militant attacks despite Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani assuring “a peaceful pilgrimage,” while stressing on people’s cooperation.
Speaking in Baramulla, J.S. Sandhu, GOC, Chinar Corps, said, “There are elements who might attempt to attack yatra. However, we are fully prepared to thwart any such attempt.”
As part of security drill, Inspector-General of Police Muneer Ahmad Khan on Wednesday said the cut-off time to reach the Shaitani Nallah for Baltal-bound and Pahalgam-bound yatra vehicles will be 3 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. respectively.
“The cut-off time at Yatra Transit Camp Mirbazar for Baltal-bound Yatra vehicles will be 4 p.m. and at Yatra Transit Camp Walnut Factory, Levdora, Qazigund for Pahalgam-bound Yatra vehicles will be 4.30 p.m.,” according to the police official.
