Farooq Tantary CNI

Jammu, July 4: Amid heightened security arrangements, the third batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra departed from the Jammu base camp early Friday morning.

A total of 6,411 pilgrims set out in two separate convoys — one heading towards Baltal and the other to Pahalgam to continue their spiritual journey to the revered Amarnath Cave Shrine located in the Himalayas.

Officials confirmed that 291 vehicles were arranged for the pilgrimage, including 130 buses, 46 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs), 113 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), and 2 two-wheelers, all operating under a multi-layered security cover.

The batch comprised 4,723 male pilgrims, 1,071 females, 37 children, 487 sadhus, and 93 sadhvis. Of these, 2,789 pilgrims chose the Baltal route, while 3,622 opted for the Pahalgam route.

Both convoys were accompanied by security forces and medical teams to ensure the pilgrims’ safety and well-being throughout the journey.

Extensive security arrangements have been made along the route, with thousands of personnel from the police, CRPF, ITBP, and other paramilitary forces deployed to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Yatra.

The 38-day-long pilgrimage, which began on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 9.