1130 pilgrims leave for Amarnath

Jammu, Jul 22 (UNI) A fresh batch of 1130 pilgrims today left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for the Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir under a tight security cover.

Escorted by security personnel, the pilgrims, including 208 women, 20 children and 293 Sadhus, proceeded for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps at around 0515 hrs, an official spokesperson said.

The caravan included 27 buses and four light motor vehicles (LMVs).

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

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

UNI VJ SP UCS0957