Security uptight as Amarnath yatra begins

Nunwan, Srinagar: The first batch of the Amarnath pilgrims left for the base camp of Baltal from Jammu on Tuesday. Two thousand people set off in 45 buses and 35 smaller vehicles towards the holy shrine.

The first ritual darshan will take place on Wednesday when the pilgrimage officially begins.

A three-tier security will be in place with over 6,000 CRPF personnel deployed along the route from Jammu to Pahalgam.

The first of the four base camps, Nunwan was attacked twice in the last eight years by militants resulting in many casualties.

However, this year Nunwan has been converted into a tent city.

The place is throbbing with life, with big eating joints, wash rooms, clean water, a fire brigade unit ready for any eventuality and barbers all set to give you that perfect clean shave.

"I'm not here for any specific reason except sight seeing and to have fun. Another reason is that I also want to pay darshan. The weather is pleasant and I hope it remains the same," says tourist, Akshay Arora.

"This is my first visit and my father always has the habit of bringing in more people for the yatra,'' adds Arora.

"We are about 21 people and we will move on foot. It's our first visit to this place,'' says another tourist Mamta.

There are unprecedented security arrangements made in these mountains this year. Police and paramilitary personnel have been posted on every road. This time, a four-tier security involving 33 companies will be keeping guard.

"Army will be dominating the area, BSF will sanitise the routes, CRPF will secure base camps and helipads, while police will be frisking the tourists," says DIG, CRPF, M P Natheniel.

It's a massive security drill for the conduct of Amaranth pilgrimage, the state government has spared more than 10,000 troops from army, paramilitary and police for the safe yatra, especially as it goes through the treacherous hilly route to the cave.

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