Fresh batch of 2,017 pilgrims leave for Amarnath

Jammu, Jul 1 (UNI) A fresh batch of 2,017 pilgrims today left for Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in South Kashmir under a tight security cover.

Escorted by security personnel, the yatra, which resumed from here yesterday, proceeded for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps at around 0540 hrs from Bhagwati Nagar base camp, an official spokesman said.

Yatris, including 494 women, 56 children and 136 Sadhus left for Amarnath shrine in a caravan of 47 buses and 15 light-motor-vehicles, the spokesman said.

The two-month-long pilgrimage for Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas commenced on June 17.

The pilgrimage was suspended many times due to heavy rush of pilgrims at base Baltal and Pahalgam yatra camps and bad weather.

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