5,144 pilgrims leave for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu, July 10 (IANS) At least 5,144 pilgrims on Tuesday left Jammu for the Kashmir Valley to perform the annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.

Police said of 5,144 pilgrims, who left for the valley, 3,322 pilgrims are scheduled to reach Pahalgam, while 1,822 are heading to Baltal base camp.

"An escorted convoy of 67 vehicles left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2.50 a.m., carrying 1,822 Baltal-bound yatris while another escorted convoy of 124 vehicles left at 3.20 a.m., carrying 3,322 yatris to Pahalgam," a police officer said.

Over one lakh pilgrims have performed this year’s Amarnath Yatra that started on June 28 and will end on August 26, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.