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First batch of pilgrims leave for Amarnath yatra
June 29, 2017
First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left from Sonmarg's Baltal
camping ground and Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday for this
years' pilgrimage.
The security officials, especially the Central
Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal, have
mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking
systems through satellites and drones.
State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh flagged off the first batch of pilgrims 5 am yesterday.
The pilgrims left in as many as 72 vehicles.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, earlier on Tuesday, chaired a security review meeting in the wake of the Amarnath Yatra.
Home
Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir
and Ministry of Home Affairs officials were present in the
meeting.
Providing security for this year's yatra has been a
major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror
threat, according to an intelligence warning.
The Jammu and
Kashmir Police have said that they have put all the necessary security
arrangements in place so that the pilgrims have a hassle-free and safe
journey.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
had earlier said the Amarnath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but
the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.
"The
Amarnath Yatra issue always rakes up at this time of the year, as it is
always on the radar of Pakistan. The Yatra will be concluded nicely, we
have made all the necessary security arrangements and are keeping a
close watch on the same," Ahir said.
Tension in the Valley was
initially expected as the yearly Hindu pilgrims visit to the holy site
during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela, coincides
with the first anniversary of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen
commander Burhan Wani.
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