632 pilgrims leave for holy cave

Srinagar, Jul 12: Despite rains, 632 pilgrims, including some women and children, left Baltal base camp for the holy Amarnath cave today.

An official told UNI that the 'yatra' was suspended because of the heavy rains on the entire track since early this morning.However, as the weather improved, 632 pilgrims were allowed to leave for the holy cave, he said. He said, similarly, pilgrims who had 'darshan' were also returning.

So far more than five lakh pilgrims from all over the country, including 'sadhus', had darshan of the shivlingam since the commencment of the two-month-long annual pilgrimage on June 18.

About 43 pilgrims besides two local tea stall owners were killed during the pilgrimage so far. The pilgrims died natural death, he said.

Arrival of the pilgrims has also deceased after the recent agitation in the state.

UNI