Amarnath yatra begins under high security

The Amarnath yatra has begun from Jammu amid tension in the Valley. The first batch of 500 pilgrims left in a convoy escorted by heavy security.For the last few days, there has been tension in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir after civilian deaths due to security forces firing. Most towns in the valley have been put under curfew.
But pilgrims say, the worrying security situation will not stop them from going ahead on the yatra."I am satisfied with the arrangement done by military and the organisers. Every year the arrangement is very good," said one of the pilgrims.

      Another pilgrim added that, he felt authorities were helping them. "No there is nothing to fear. The situation there is always like this. And the number of pilgrims is growing every year." He said.The DIG of Jammu, Farooq Khan said, that different security agencies are working together to ensure that there is no disturbance in the yatra.Close to 3000 BSF jawans have been airlifted to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.