Under drone surveillance, first batch of pilgrims leaves Jammu for Amarnath Yatra

Jammu: The first batch of 2,280 pilgrims left the Jammu base camp on Wednesday for this year's Amarnath Yatra that commences from June 29.

State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh flagged off the first batch of pilgrims at 5 am.

J&K Dy CM Nirmal Singh flagged off the first batch of Amarnath Yatris from Jammu Base camp earlier today pic.twitter.com/OnEkuD6ABd — ANI (@ANI_news) June 28, 2017

The pilgrims left in as many as 72 vehicles.

Earlier on Tuesday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had chaired a security review meeting in the wake of the Amarnath Yatra.

Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials were present in the meeting.

Providing security for this year's Yatra has been a major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning.

The security officials, especially the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking systems through satellites and drones.

AV Chauhan, IG CRPF, on Wednesdasy told ANI that instead on the SSB officials, the whole responsibility of providing security to the pilgrims is has been assigned to the CRPF and that they, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police have done everything possible to ensure a safe journey for the pilgrims.

The Director General (DG) Border Security Force (BSF) K.K. Sharma had earlier assured that all security measures were taken and the Yatra will pass off peacefully.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that they have put all the necessary security arrangements in place so that the pilgrims have a hassle-free and safe journey.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir had earlier said the Amanath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.

Tension in the Valley was initially expected as the yearly Hindu pilgrims visit to the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela, coincides with the first anniversary of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

With ANI inputs