Amarnath Yatra 2025: Lieutenant Governor Flags off First Batch Of Pilgrims From Jammu Amid Heightened Security

Amarnath Yatra 2025: The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra departed from Jammu on Wednesday morning under tight security following the Pahalgam terror attack. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Amarnathji Shrine Board, flagged off the pilgrims towards the twin base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal.

The 38-day yatra is set to formally begin on Thursday. In light of serious security concerns after the April 22 terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the yatra route has been declared a no-fly zone from both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes. 

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To ensure the pilgrims' safety, around 600 additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed, marking the largest security deployment for the yatra so far. Despite the security situation in Kashmir affecting the yatra, with a noticeable drop in registrations, authorities are working to attract more pilgrims.

Amarnath Yatra 2025: Free Bus, Other Facilities To Pilgrims

The government has arranged free bus services from Jammu to the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam, along with other facilities for the pilgrims. Hundreds of J&K government employees from key departments such as health, water supply, and electricity are involved in the yatra arrangements to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

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The route from Baltal to the cave shrine is the shortest, spanning 14 km, while the traditional Pahalgam route stretches 48 km. With comprehensive security and logistical arrangements in place, the Amarnath Yatra is poised to proceed with caution and devotion.

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