Second batch of pilgrims leaves for Amarnath

Jammu, Jun 18: On the second day of commencement of the Amarnath pilgrimage, 2,062 'yatris' were allowed to proceed from here towards the world-famous cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the Himalayan mountains of Kashmir. The second batch of pilgrims from the base camp at Jammu comprising 455 women, 65 children and 110 'sadhus', was allowed to proceed for Amarnath at 0750 hrs after ensuring road clearance, official sources said.

''The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which was blocked due to landslide at Sarmoli, near Udhampur, was cleared for traffic early this morning,'' police control room official said. The sky was covered with thick clouds as weathermen also forecast normal to heavy rains at various places in the state. Tight security arrangements have been made to thwart designs of militants to disrupt the 'yatra'. The two-month-long pilgrimage commenced from here yesterday with the first batch of 2,837 'yatris' leaving for the 'darshan' of snow-formed 'Lingam' of Lord Shiva.

According to reports, a complete 12-feet-tall 'Lingam' has formed at Amarnath cave this year.

UNI