Jammu, July 29: The 20th batch of 1,173 pilgrims, the smallest so far, left here today for Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir even as officials said there was a gradual fall in the number of Yatris. Devotees comprising 830 men, 160 women, 13 children and 170 Sadhus left from Mam stadium in cavalcade of 58 vehicles amidst tight security. There has been a gradual fall in the number of Amarnath pilgrims and today's batch of registered Yatris was the smallest so far, officials, who were unable to attribute any reason to the depleting numbers, said. Reports from Srinagar said that 1,33,698 pilgrims had come Ko kashmir in connection with the Amarnath Yatra till last evening. Of them, 1,28,203 had performed darshan of the holy 'lingum' of Lord Shiva in the cave shrine at an altitude of 3880 meters.

A CRPF spokesperson said that extensive security arrangements have been made for the safety of yatris.
Close radio monitoring is also made by escort parties and quick reaction teams are stationed at various points to foil any mischief on the convoy of pilgrims, he said, adding CRPF also provides medicare service to devotee enroute on National Highway.

Meanwhile, arrangements in connection with Budha Amarnath yatra were finalised at a joint meeting of army, BSF, civil, police and representatives of Shri Buddha Amarnath trust at Poonch yesterday.


Bureau Report