Determined, pioneers set out on Amarnath yatra

Srinagar/Jammu, Jul 11 Undeterred by the assault on Amarnath pilgrims, 22,633 devotees today set out on the journey in the midst stepped up safety measures.

Escorted by CRPF and police work force, 3,289 pioneers, containing 2,283 men, 756 ladies and 250 sadhus and sadhvis, left in 68 vehicles in a caravan from Jammu for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps at the beginning of today, authorities said.

"We have high level of security for passage of convoy of the Amarnath yatra," Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Zone, Mandeep Bhandari said.

Authorities of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) today informed Governor N Vohra that "by 10.30 am, 18,838 pioneers had left for the cave shrine from Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and Baltal yatra camps."

Upwards of 5,556 pilgrims, who left Chandanwari, toward the beginning of today should stop on the way and they will achieve the altar in south Kashmir Himalayas the following day, the authorities said.

Jammu watched a total shutdown today in the midst of many dissents against the killings with substantial security being sent in the winter capital.

Bhandari said the circumstance in Jammu is serene and there are no reports of any untoward occurrence.

Since the start of the journey, 1,46,692 yatris have paid deference at the give in place of worship.

Yesterday, seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured after terrorists targeted a bus in Anantnag district.

The explorers were going in the transport which was not some portion of the escort of vehicles bringing the Amarnath pioneers with sufficient security.

Upwards of 21,000 paramilitary faculty in addition to state police force have been conveyed for security of the journey courses.

The quantity of paramilitary work force sent for this present year is 9,500 more than a year ago.