Amarnath Yatra pilgrims return today, security tightened in Jammu and Kashmir

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Udhampur: The security has been tightened in Jammu and Kashmir as the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returned after visiting the Holy cave of Shri Amarnath. The yatra started on Thursday, the chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” reverberated in the area as the devotees flocked in large numbers for the yatra. The devotees said the arrangements for the yatra were excellent.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said the enthusiasm among devotees for the 38-day yatra is unmatched. “This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. Security forces, ‘pitthus’, and every service provider are involved in it… The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country,” he told ANI.

The 38-day pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and end on August 9. It will follow two routes, the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first group of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2.

Security across the Jammu region has been stepped up significantly in the wake of the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. Over 50,000 personnel from the CRPF, Army, and Police have been deployed. CCTV cameras, drones, jammers, and facial recognition systems are being used to monitor the route.

Arrangements have also been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation, to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returned after visiting the Holy cave of Shri Amarnath.

Also Read: J-K: LG Manoj Sinha flags off first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from Jammu

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