More pilgrims leave for Amarnath shrine

Fresh batches of over 6000 pilgrims today left for the cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas, which received light snowfall.

Fresh batches of over 6000 pilgrims today left for the cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas, which received light snowfall.

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"The yatra is going on smoothly although the cave shrine experienced light snowfall this afternoon," Additional Deputy commissioner Anantnag, Bashir Ahmad Khan, told PTI over phone.

Khan said strict instructions have been issued not to allow the pilgrims beyond Sheshnag along the traditional 46-km Pahalgam-cave route in view of the inclement weather and snowfall in the cave area.

Over 2300 pilgrims left Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam towards the cave shrine this morning. "They are all safe and moving towards Sheshnag".

Another batch of 3,702 pilgrims proceeded from the shorter 16-km Baltal cave track for the shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas, official sources said.