803 pilgrims leave for Amarnath

Jammu, Aug 2: A batch of 803 pilgrims today left for Pahalgam and Baltal base camps to move towards the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir, official sources said.

The convoy of 22 vehicles including 19 busses and three light motor vehicles(lmv), left from the base camp of Maulana Azad Memorial stadium for Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal yatra camps at 0510 hrs amid tight security, they added.

The convoy comprises 362 men, 153 women, 14 children and 274 sadhus.

With this a total of 48,886 pilgrims have left for Amarnath from the Jammu base camp since July 2, official sources said.

Meanwhile, arrangements for smooth conduct of Budha Amarnath yatra, commencing from August 17, have been reviewed in the border district of Rajouri and Poonch.

Elaborate arrangements are being made in both the districts which include transportation, security and shelters for pilgrims who are to visit Ancient Budha Amarnath temple located in Mandi area of Poonch district, officials said.

UNI