First Batch of Pilgrims Leaves Jammu for Amarnath Yatra

The first batch of 1,138 pilgrims left Jammu on Friday for Amarnath Yatra in 2016 that begins from Saturday July 02,2016

Beginning from Saturday, this year's 48-day Yatra would end on August 18 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, junior minister Priya Sethi and Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in winter capital Jammu at 5 am on Friday July 01,2016

There are 900 males, 225 females and 13 children in the first batch which left in 13 buses, 24 mini-buses and other modes of public and private conveyance in a convoy guarded by the security forces.

Providing security to Amarnath Yatra is a major security and intelligence challenge for state and central agencies because of the spurt in the violence by separatist militants.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would arrive in Jammu on Friday July 01,2016 on a 2-day visit to review the security situation in the state, especially the security arrangements for the Yatra.