A batch of 5964 pilgrims resumed the Amarnath Yatra onTuesday morning, a day after it was temporarily put on hold due to heavy rush. Thepilgrims made their way on the Pehalgam and Baltal routes under as securitypersonnel kept a close vigil to ensure safety and a smooth journey. Over 1900pilgrims moved on the Pehalgam route while approximately 4,000 took the Baltalway. The Yatra had been put on hold a day earlier due to heavy rush on bothroutes. Pilgrims had been halted in Jammu. Over one lakh pilgrims have alreadyvisited the shrine during the Yatra which began on July 1. The 45-day longyatra will end on August 15, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

Massive arrangements have been made once again this year toensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims making their way to the ancientshrine which is located at the shrine 3,888 metres above sea level. While theCentral Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police is primarilyin-charge for security, personnel from the Indian Army and Border SecurityForce have also been deployed on the two routes.Former CM Mehbooba Mufti,however, had courted massive controversy on Monday when she said that thearrangements put into place for pilgrims this year are causing inconvenience tolocals. “Amarnath Yatra is taking place since years. But unfortunately, thearrangements done this year are against the people of Kashmir. It’s causing alot of trouble in day-to-day lives of local people,” she had said, promptingsharp rebuttals.

Authorities have time and again appreciated the support theyreceive from locals with Shri Amarnath Shrine Board especially praising them thisyear. The Yatra also helps local businesses to flourish.