Undeterred by the looming terror threats, the first batch of 4,890 pilgrims embarked on the Amarnath yatra on Wednesday under unprecedented security cover.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy of 176 light and heavy motor vehicles after performing traditional prayers at the base camp at Jammu.
Chief Secretary Arun Mehta, senior police and administrative officers, along with local politicians, attended the ceremony and prayed for peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for pilgrims.
The LG is scheduled to perform pratham pooja inside the holy cave shrine on Thursday.
The atmosphere inside the base camp was upbeat since early morning as a large number of pilgrims from different States were seen singing praises of Lord Shiva and chanting vedic mantras before embarking on the journey.
So far around 3 lakh pilgrims have registered themselves for the yatra this year. The shrine board authorities are expecting the largest ever footfall of 6 to 7 lakh pilgrims this year.
The shrine board authorities have also made elaborate arrangements for spot registration to facilitate rush of pilgrims.
For the first time, a Radio Frequency Identification tag has been issued to the pilgrims by the shrine board, while drone cameras have been deployed across base camps and yatri niwas to maintain tight vigil. Pilgrims have been extended helicopter services from Srinagar for the first time this year.
The Amarnath yatra was cut short in 2019 days ahead of Abrogation of Article 370. However, the yatra remained suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made along the entire yatra route. The Centre has deployed over 350 companies of paramilitary troops to guard the yatra route and base camps along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axis.
J&K’s regional parties, including the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have welcomed the pilgrims and asked people to ensure their security and safety.