A New Beginning for the Amarnath Yatra Amidst Tragedy

Amarnath Yatra Commences with Mixed Emotions

On Wednesday morning, Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated the 38-day Amarnath Yatra from Jammu. The pilgrimage began on Thursday via two routes: the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter yet steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Despite concerns following an attack in Pahalgam, around 12,000 pilgrims successfully visited the Baba Amarnath shrine on the first day, bringing joy to many. However, the day was marred by the unfortunate news of a pilgrim's death.

First Reported Death During the Amarnath Yatra

Tragically, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh passed away after collapsing at the Sheshnag base camp during the second day of the Yatra. Officials confirmed this incident on Friday, identifying the deceased as Dilip Srivastava, a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. He suddenly lost consciousness at the base camp and was promptly transported to the local hospital, where he was declared dead by medical staff.

Second Batch of Pilgrims Depart from Jammu

Meanwhile, a second group of over 5,200 pilgrims set off for the cave temple from Jammu's base camp on Thursday. According to officials, these pilgrims departed in a convoy of 168 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, escorted by security personnel and central paramilitary forces. This brings the total number of pilgrims from the Jammu base camp to over 10,000.