First batch of Amarnath pilgrims leave for Kashmir

Jammu: The first batch of 1,091 pilgrims left from here early on Wednesday for Kashmir to start the Amarnath Yatra which begins from Thursday.

"A total of 1,091 yatris (pilgrims) left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in an escorted convoy of 52 vehicles. This included 780 males, 190 females, one child and 120 Sadhus," police said.

With additional 213 companies of paramilitary forces augmenting the strength of the existing security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, nearly one hundred thousand security personnel have been deployed to guard this year's Yatra.

The 60-day Yatra will end on August 26, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

Also read: Amid unprecedented security, Amarnath Yatra to begin from Wednesday