Thousands Set Off On Amarnath Yatra As Forces Keeps Watch

Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra has been officially flagged off from Jammu. Thousands of pilgrims are reaching the base camps in Jammu, Pahalgam and Baltal for the darshan through treacherous, snowbound routes.

Additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir police have been deployed along the entire yatra route for the safety of the pilgrims.

The pilgrims' journey has begun peacefully this year. The first batch of pilgrims will go to the holy cave through the shorter Baltal route and the traditional Pahalgam route which is 45-kilometre long.

The 48-day yatra is beginning under the shadow of increased incidents of terror attacks in the Valley.

For a safe passage, additional CRPF personnel have been called in to assist the state police.

Special Quick Action Teams of the army and the CRPF will guard the highway.

"CRPF battalions and companies have been fully sensitised for implementing the standard operating procedures on the ground and the yatra convoy going from the Jammu base camp will be given full security," said Rakesh Sethi, a senior officer of the CRPF in Jammu.

Last year 3.5 lakh pilgrims took the Amarnath Yatra. Despite terrorist threats, the number this year too is likely to be the same.

"We don't fear, we have full faith in God. Incidents can happen anywhere," said Anita Sharma, a pilgrim.

The smooth passage of yatra is a huge challenge for the security forces, made more difficult after the recent terrorist strikes. It will require a coordinated effort by all the security agencies to ensure that the yatra passes on peacefully.