Amarnath Yatra 2018: 4821 pilgrims pay obeisance at holy cave shrine

A day after the Amarnath Yatra resumed from the Pahalgam route of Jammu and Kashmir, around 4821 pilgrims on Saturday were reported to pay obeisance to their beloved deity Lord Shiva.

The Baltal route, from where the yatra was suspended on Tuesday, is still inaccessible due to the inclement weather situation.

A group of devoted and enthusiastic pilgrims, however, are continuing their pilgrimage through the Pahalgam route. Helicopter services are available on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, the CEO of the Amarnath Shrine said in a statement.

Around 73023 pilgrims have visited the 'Shivling' and paid homage to the Lord at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath so far.

Read | Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: 883 pilgrims rescued from Simikot in last three days

Talking about the security arrangement for the Amarnath yatris, Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu told ANI, "Pilgrims staying in lodgement centres have been given adequate facilities. Our focus is on sanitation and cleanliness. Now there are at least 10,000 pilgrims in these centres. All pilgrims are safe and secure here".

On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra has directed to evacuate and rescue stranded yatris from Panjtarni to Baltal. Three Indian Air Force MI-17 Helicopters are used for this rescue operation earlier in the day.

Nearly two lakh pilgrims from across the country have reportedly registered themselves for Amarnath Yatra 2018.

Read | Amarnath Yatra: Five killed, three injured in landslide on Baltal route in Jammu and Kashmir

Owing to the growing incidents of the ceasefire violations and terror attacks from across the state, adequate security arrangements have been taken to make the yatra safe and hassle-free.