Over 2 Lakh Carry Out Amarnath Yatra in 16 Days; Sai Pallavi, Saina Nehwal Among Pilgrims

The number of pilgrims performing the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir this year has increased from 20,806 to 2,229,221 in the past 16 days. The count jumped by more than two thousand as pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave on Sunday despite the bad weather.

officials said News 18 That the yatra has been implemented and is ongoing while ensuring all safety measures. A 53-year-old pilgrim named Urmilaben died after being hit by stone bullets while on her way to the Amarnath Cave.

“The weather was not favorable today as the valley witnessed heavy rains in several parts, but 20,806 pilgrims performed their darshan in the holy cave smoothly and comfortably with the support of the administration and government bodies,” said an official.

South Indian actor Sai Pallavi Sinthamarai and tennis prodigy Saina Nehwal were among the fans of Amarnath Yatra this year. Both of them used social media to share their photos at the yatra restaurant.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has maximized arrangements this year to provide a smooth and comfortable experience to the pilgrims. Yatra is monitored from scratch by the higher ups.

The Commissioner of Kashmir Vijay Kumar Biduri had said earlier that it is expected to attend about eight to nine thousand pilgrims in the Yatra, which takes 62 days this year. “We are making arrangements as per these numbers, but we are also ready for a much larger number,” said Vijay.

The security of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims remains a major concern every year for the government whose main concern is the pilgrims being targeted by terrorists.

In 2017, eight Hindu pilgrims were killed in a terrorist attack.

Security arrangements were reviewed by Home Minister Amit Shah prior to the start of the elitra and officials were instructed to ensure smooth functioning.

ADGP of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar along with Police Officials and Police Reserve Force, conducted a comprehensive security review at various points yesterday, including the Navyug Tunnel on the National Highway.

Kumar provided insights and advised the implementation of additional measures that should be adopted by the Police and the Police Reserve Force personnel. According to the police statement, he stressed officers to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures and directed them to exercise extra vigilance in ensuring that the safety and security of the pilgrimage is not compromised.