Srinagar: A fresh batch of Amarnath pilgrims arrived at Pahalgam’s Nunwan base camp at 4 PM, chanting “Har Har Mahadev.” Devotees expressed their resolve to begin the Yatra from Pahalgam as a symbolic response to terrorism, aiming to send a clear message to Pakistan.
A young woman among the pilgrims stated, “We are starting the Yatra from Pahalgam to give a strong reply to terrorists.”
She added that Pakistan has already received a message through Operation Sindoor and will now think many times before making any further move.
“We interacted with pilgrims who had arrived at the Pahalgam basecamp. ‘We have no fear of terrorists this is our homeland, and we will keep coming here. Every Indian must visit,’ said one of the yatris, as yet another batch of pilgrims reached the Nunwan basecamp today.”
About 14,000 pilgrims have prayed at the 3,880 metre-high cave shrine since Thursday when the 38-day annual yatra commenced from Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district the two conventional tracks.
There is a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and devotion across Jammu & Kashmir for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that pilgrims arriving from different parts of the country, even without prior registration, will not be turned back and will be allowed to proceed with their Yatra. “Comprehensive security arrangements have been made, and the situation remains peaceful. Everyone is welcome to visit and seek blessings from Baba Barfani,” he added.
The yatra continues as scheduled, albeit under heightened security, following the tragic April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam has been secured with a multi-layered security setup. So far, over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered online for this year’s pilgrimage.
