First batch of 4,822 Amarnath pilgrims enters Valley as Yatra begins

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Qazigund, July 02: The first batch of 4,822 pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra entered the Kashmir Valley via the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund on Thursday amid unprecedented security arrangements and a traditional reception by the authorities.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the convoy, which had earlier departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu after being flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, crossed into the Valley during under a multi-tier security cover.

As the pilgrims arrived at Qazigund, they were welcomed by civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and local residents. The reception included floral greetings and other traditional gestures marking the formal entry of the Yatris into the Valley.

Officials said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safe and smooth Yatra. Additional deployments of police, paramilitary forces, and traffic personnel have been stationed along the Yatra route.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal from July 3 and will continue for 57 days—(KNO)