11th Batch proceeds for Amarnath shrine after 7 hr delay

Jammu, July 12 (UNI) The 11th batch of 796 pilgrims left Jammu base camp for Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas after about seven hours delay today, official sources said.

Due to heavy rains during the night, the authorities had planned to halt pilgrims at the base camp but later, as the route was found clear the yatra convoy was given the go ahead.

A convoy of 21 vehicles carrying, 500 men, 163 women, 104 sadhus and 29 children left for Nunwan and Baltal yatra camps at 1150 hrs, sources said.

A total 20,942 pilgrims have taken up Shri Amarnath pilgrimage officially from yatra base came here at the MA stadium since the commencement of yatra on July, 2.

However, more than one 1.2 lakh devotees have unofficially visited the cave shrine of lord Shiva so far this year.

Bad weather conditions in Kashmir keep making yatra inconvenient as rains and landslides en route the cave shrine make the track slippery and risky.

UNI