Amaranth yatra begins amidst tensions in Kashmir

The first batch of 500 Hindu pilgrims began the Amaranth yatra from Jammu Kashmir amidst tensions in the valley.

The Amaranth yatra began on June 30th from Jammu Kashmir amidst tensions in the valley. The first batch of 500 Hindu pilgrims left in a convoy escorted by heavy security.

Several towns in the valley were put under curfew because of the security situation. Pilgrims however remained undeterred, vowing that they will continue the yatra.

The DIG of Jammu Kashmir, Farooq Khan, said that nearly 3,000 border security force jawans have been deployed to avoid any untoward situation.

Thousands of pilgrims travel every year to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir, dedicated to lord Shiva, that is located at a height of 13,500 feet.