Over 2.34 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine in 2 weeks

The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began earlier this month amid heightened security following the Pahalgam terror attack, continues with full enthusiasm. According to officials, over 2.34 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy cave in the first two weeks of the pilgrimage.

A government spokesperson stated on Wednesday that the Amarnath Yatra is progressing smoothly, with pilgrims performing darshan of “Baba Barfani” without any disruptions.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar said in a statement that as of July 15, more than 2.34 lakh pilgrims had completed the pilgrimage. “Today, on July 16, pilgrims are proceeding towards the holy cave from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes without any interruptions,” he added. Kumar also urged the public to rely only on official updates for accurate and timely information.

The annual pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, has seen a strong turnout despite initial fears following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which claimed 26 lives. In response, authorities have significantly ramped up security, deploying 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

Tourist arrivals in Kashmir had witnessed a sharp decline immediately after the April attack. However, the ongoing Yatra has seen a positive response, bringing renewed hope for the tourism sector.

On July 13, ten days after the Yatra began, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that the number of pilgrims visiting the cave shrine in the higher reaches of South Kashmir had surpassed the two lakh mark.

Officials noted that while the number of pilgrims so far is slightly lower compared to last year, they remain optimistic. “We still have ample time, and we are hopeful that more people will arrive in Kashmir for the pilgrimage,” a senior official said on Wednesday.

J & K