Third batch of 3,352 pilgrims leave for Amarnath shrine

Jammu, June 19 : Third batch of 3,352 pilgrims left for the Amarnath cave shrine from Jammu today.

Official sources said that pilgrims including more than 186 sadhus, who left in 107 vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Bhawan complex early morning, escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

With this batch, a total of 8251pilgrims have left for the shrine. The first batch left June 17.

Security forces have been put on a high alert along the entire route of the Amarnath yatra to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

The security setup consists of area domination and setting up of mountain posts by Army, deployments of CRPF and mobile patrolling by armed police.

As many as 2,13,007 pilgrims have been registered for yatra till Thursday.

Every year, a large number of devotees trek the steep, slippery 48-kilometres route to reach the Amarnath cave shrine, which stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet above sea level.

ANI