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Drop in number of pilgrims to Amarnath

The 18th batch, which left the base camp at Jammu on Tuesday, comprised 2,082 devotees.

Wednesday's batch comprising 1,669 pilgrims was the smallest of all the batches since the commencement of the month-long pilgrimage on July 19, official sources said.

However, there was an increase in the number of security personnel escorting the cavalcade of 76 vehicles carrying 1230 men, 250 women, 13 children and 176 sadhus, including security personnel.

Security has been further tightened all along the route to the Amarnath shrine, official sources said adding that security at places in Jammu where the pilgrims were lodged had also been beefed up.

The arrival of pilgrims in Jammu from various parts of the country also dropped considerably in spite of the government permitting unregistered pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage by showing some documents regarding their identity.

Reports from Srinagar said that over 90,000 pilgrims had so far paid obeisance to the naturally formed ice-lingam at the 3,880 meter high cave shrine.

Meanwhile, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Wednesday strongly condemned the 'cruel' attack on Amarnath pilgrims and expressed confidence that the people of the state would unitedly fight the 'divisive forces with full determination'.

He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

PTI

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