Unfazed by Anantnag terror attack, largest batch of Amarnath pilgrims leaves for Pahalgam amid tight security

Jammu: Unfazed by the brazen terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, the largest batch of Amarnath pilgrims left for Pahalgam and Baltal on Wednesday.

Monday's attack was the second such strike on Amarnath pilgrims in the past 17 years.

According to ANI, the batch left amid unprecedented security put in place by the state and the central government. 

Jammu: Largest batch of #AmarnathYatra pilgrims leave for Pahalgam and Baltal amid high security following #Anatnag terror attack pic.twitter.com/hW0dFdHA7X — ANI (@ANI_news) July 12, 2017

Following Monday's attack a series of meetings to review security situation was conducted by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who also spoke to state government officials and top officers of the Army and para-military forces.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat also arrived in J&K to review the ground situation there.

The security forces deployed in J&K have pledged to teach an unforgettable lesson to those responsible for Monday's attack, which left at least seven person dead and several others injured.

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti and the Gujarat government also announced compensation for the kin of the deceased and those injured in the attack.

Rising above the party politics, all political leaders condemned the Anantnag attack and called for a thorough investigation to ascertain if there was nay security lapse.

A high alert was sounded in all states including Delhi, UP, Rajasthan and Punjab and the security forces were asked to remain vigilant to avoid any untoward incident.

Amarnath Yatra had resumed on Sunday after a day-long suspension with a fresh batch of 4,411 pilgrims who left Jammu for the Kashmir Valley.

"Due to security reasons, the Yatra was suspended on Saturday," an official said.

The 40-day long Yatra to the Himalayan cave shrine started on June 29 and will end on August 7 on Shravan Purnima coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

So far, over one lakh pilgrims have reached the shrine located at 3,888 metres above sea-level.

The cave houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the size of the moon. 

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.