Third batch of 2, 163 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath shrine

Jammu, June 30 ((ANI): The third batch of 2, 163 devotees left the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine on Thursday morning amidst tight security.

The pilgrims included 1340 male, 529 female, 97 children and 197 sadhus. They left in a cavalcade of 55 vehicles.

So far, 6,444 registered pilgrims have left from Jammu for the holy cave.

The adequate security arrangements have been made for pilgrims from Pahelgam and Baltal base camps upto the holy cave.

Administration has made every possible arrangement along the route for the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the helicopter service has also started for the pilgrims from Baltal to Panjtarni and from Pahalgam to Panjtarni.

The one-way heli-fare for Baltal-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been fixed at 2425 and 3450 rupees respectively. Children, in the age group of 2-12 years, will be required to pay half of the aforesaid prices.

The Amarnath cave shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main shrine is claimed to be over 5,000-years-old. (ANI)