A fresh batch of 3,700 pilgrims departed for the Amarnath cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas on Wednesday under stringent security measures.
The 20th batch of pilgrims left at 3:05 am in 127 vehicles, escorted by CRPF personnel, from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. The group included 2,734 men, 952 women, and nine children.
Officials said 2,305 pilgrims opted for the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route, while 1,435 chose the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route.
The 52-day Yatra, which commenced formally on June 29 from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir, will conclude on August 19.
Official figures indicate that over 3.40 lakh pilgrims have already paid obeisance at the shrine this year.
Security measures have been intensified around the base camps and along the Yatra route following recent terror incidents, including an ambush in the Dessa area of the Doda district that resulted in the deaths of four security personnel.
Comprehensive arrangements, including three-tier security, area dominance, route deployments, and checkpoints, have been implemented to ensure a smooth Yatra.
On Monday, four army personnel, including a captain, were killed in a brief exchange of fire with terrorists in the Doda district of the Jammu region.
In 2024, the Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir experienced multiple terror attacks.
On June 11, a significant attack occurred at the Army's temporary operating base, resulting in six injuries among security personnel.
The Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked group, Kashmir Tigers, claimed responsibility for this attack.
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