Amarnath Yatra on but Kashmir still tense
Pahalgam: An uneasy calm prevails in Kashmir following over two weeks of clashes between protestors and security forces. The clashes and violence has raised concerns for the security of lakhs of pilgrims who are trekking to Amarnath.
The second batch of 2,500 pilgrims set out on Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on Thursday morning at 6.30 AM. They are expected to reach Pahalgam by late Thursday evening. The first batch started from Jammu on Wednesday after a four-hour delay amidst unprecedented security. They have started trekking towards Amarnath cave, located at an altitude of 3,338 meters, which will take about two days. However, some of the pilgrims have taken the shorter route through Balthal road. The pilgrims crossed Anantnag marg, which has been tensed and placed under curfew, on Wednesday night.
Over 70 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed and 3,000 Border Security Force personnel have been airlifted to secure the route to the cave shrine.
Yatris are also been frisked and made to go through security checks at the base camp in Nunwan in Pahalgam.
"The arrangements are very good here," said one of the pilgrims at the base camp.
"Security is excellent. We are not facing any problem. The CRPF has been very helpful. We are getting selfless service here," said anothe pilgrim.
"This is our own country. We should not be scared to visit places," added another.
The Hurriyat has said that no the pilgrims should not be targeted and the spiritual trip should continue.
But some areas in the Kashmir Valley are still tense and curfew continues in Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kulgam and Kaimoh. There severe restrictions on the movement of people in Srinagar's down town area.
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