1180 pilgrims leave for Amaranth cave

Jammu, Jul 19 (UNI) Despite the inclement weather, a batch of pilgrims escorted by security personnel today left for holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath situated in south Kashmir from Yatri Bhawan here, official sources said.

Official reports said 1180 pilgrims--743 males, 265 females, 30 children and 192 sadhus-- left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp amid tight security in 34 vehicles including 28 buses and six Light Motor Vehicles.

There were no reports of landslides and suspension of yatra en route Srinagar as heavy rains lashed the winter capital early this morning.

The two-month long yatra commenced on June 18 from here and so far around five lakh pilgrims from across the country had darshans of natural ice-lingam at Amarnath cave.

UNI VBH JT DS1320