| Braving terror threats, over 50,000 devotees pay obeisance since July 3 | | Amarnath Yatra 2025 | | Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 6: Unfazed by adverse weather conditions and security threats, more than 50,000 pilgrims have successfully undertaken the sacred Amarnath Yatra to the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir since the pilgrimage began on July 3.
Early Sunday morning, a fresh batch of 7,208 pilgrims, including 1,587 women and 30 children, set off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The group departed in two well-secured convoys between 3:35 am and 4:15 am, despite persistent downpours.
This marks the largest batch of pilgrims since Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off this year’s yatra. According to officials, 3,199 pilgrims in 147 vehicles proceeded via the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal, while 4,009 pilgrims in 160 vehicles opted for the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.
Despite the lingering shock of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam — in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed — the yatra has continued smoothly under multi-layered security arrangements. The Bhagwati Nagar base camp has been fortified with a comprehensive security grid to protect pilgrims from potential threats.
According to official figures, more than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered online for the yatra so far. To accommodate the rush, the administration has set up 34 accommodation centers across Jammu and deployed RFID tracking tags for pilgrims. Additionally, 12 counters are functional for on-the-spot registrations.
Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. "There is no fear among yatris. The security setup is reassuring, and the facilities are excellent," said Balwant Rai, a devotee from Punjab
He added, "We expected fewer pilgrims this year due to the recent attack, but the spirit of devotion is stronger than ever. Numbers are only growing with each passing day."
The 38-day pilgrimage, which concludes on August 10, has seen a surge in interest this year. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha noted that offline counters across Jammu are also witnessing high footfall, supplementing the already massive online response.
With enhanced focus on transportation, health services, food, and lodging, the administration — backed by security agencies — continues to ensure a safe and fulfilling spiritual journey for all yatris.
Despite persistent threats, devotion remains unshaken, reaffirming that faith continues to triumph over fear in the sacred journey to Amarnath. |
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