Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Jul 16: Braving inclement weather conditions, as many as 13,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath on Wednesday, officials said.
An official informed that the pilgrims who paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine included 8,877 males, 3,798 females, 145 children, 70 sadhus, and 8 sadhvis. In addition, 314 security forces personnel also performed darshan today.
The cumulative number of yatris who have performed darshan in the two weeks since the commencement of the Yatra has reached 2,47,213, officials said, adding that the Yatra continues to proceed smoothly with a steady influx of devotees from different parts of the country.
Despite occasional weather challenges, the administration has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place for the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 6,064 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left from the Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Wednesday morning, officials said. The pilgrims, escorted by security forces, departed in a fleet of 234 vehicles, comprising both Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), under a multi-tier security arrangement.
According to officials, 3,593 pilgrims proceeded via the Pahalgam route, while 2,471 pilgrims took the Baltal route. So far, the pilgrimage has continued peacefully with robust participation despite intermittent downpours along the route.
Administration clarifies false reports
Contrary to some false reports circulating on social media regarding the suspension of the Amarnath Yatra due to rains, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has clarified that the Yatra is ongoing without any interruption, and pilgrims are safely having darshan of Baba Barfani.
“The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 is proceeding smoothly, and pilgrims are taking darshan of Baba Barfani without any interruption,” said the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
All media outlets are advised to verify facts from official sources before publishing or circulating any information regarding the Yatra, the statement said, adding that the public is requested to rely only on official updates for accurate and timely information.
Army takes swift action for pilgrim’s medical emergency
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the sacred Amarnath Yatra, the Indian Army carried out a swift medical evacuation at Barari Marg on Monday night.
A defence spokesperson in a statement said that at around 8:00 PM, a 38-year-old pilgrim, Ajay Kumar from Ludhiana, began feeling unwell while descending the yatra route. “Acting promptly, the Medical Evacuation Team, led by the NCO Incharge stationed at Barari, responded immediately,” he said.
The pilgrim was escorted to the nearest Medical Aid Post, where he received timely medical care and was kept under observation as per standard protocol, the Army said, adding that after being stabilised and showing improvement, Ajay Kumar reported feeling better and continued his descent without assistance, accompanied by his fellow pilgrims.
“This incident underscores the Indian Army’s proactive humanitarian efforts in ensuring the health, safety, and morale of all yatris. Army medical teams remain on round-the-clock alert along the entire yatra route, committed to providing immediate assistance and facilitating a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all,” the spokesperson said.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which commenced earlier this month on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 9 this year.
