Jammu, Jul 18: A fresh batch of 3,632 pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu on Saturday morning for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam amid elaborate security arrangements.
According to officials, the pilgrims left in a convoy of 148 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) under a multi-layered security cover.
Of the total pilgrims, 1,008 were bound for the Baltal base camp, while 2,624 were headed to Pahalgam. The convoy was escorted under coordinated security arrangements involving the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, security forces and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra has crossed the 3.5 lakh pilgrim mark within just 15 days, setting a new record for the annual pilgrimage.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2.
