Another batch of 1,602 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath

Jammu, Jul 4 (UNI) Notwithstanding the indefinite curfew clamped in the city and tense situation prevailing in other parts, a fresh batch of 1,602 pilgrims today left the base camp here for Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir.

Escorted by security personnel, the pilgrims, including 308 women, 33 children and 169 sadhus, proceeded for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps at around 0500 hrs from Bhagwati Nagar base camp, an official spokesman said.

The caravan of 50 vehicles included 36 buses and 14 light motor vehicles.

The two-month-long pilgrimage for Amarnath had commenced on June 17.

Since its commencement, the pilgrimage was suspended many times due to heavy rush of pilgrims at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and bad weather.

Indefinite curfew was imposed in the city on Tuesday after intensifed protests in Jammu against the government decision to revoke the land diversion in favour ot the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

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