Unprecedented Security Measures Bolster Amarnath Yatra Amid Devotee Enthusiasm

The Amarnath pilgrimage kicked off today under heightened security, stretching over 38 days and ending on August 9. This comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 deaths. Authorities in Ramban district have prepared extensively, establishing 17 medical camps and deploying ambulances to ensure a secure passage for the pilgrims.

Ramban Chief Medical Officer Kamal Zadoo highlighted the district's enhanced medical preparations, citing mini hospitals at strategic sites like Yatri Niwas Chanderkot, armed with four-bed facilities and ECG units. The National Highway Authority has contributed four ambulances for the yatra. As pilgrims began their sacred journey, chants of "Har Har Mahadev" resonated, signaling devotion and spirited enthusiasm.

Many pilgrims, including repeat visitors and first-timers from places like Punjab and Bengal, lauded the government's arrangements and expressed faith in the security measures. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri noted unparalleled enthusiasm among devotees. The pilgrimage follows two routes: the traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route and the more challenging 14-kilometer Baltal route.

(With inputs from agencies.)