Amarnath Yatra begins as thousands embark on pilgrimage amid tight security

The 38-day Amarnath Yatra has commenced with thousands of devotees embarking on the arduous pilgrimage amid stringent security measures. The sacred morning aarti was performed at the cave shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. Pilgrims, chanting 'Bol Bam Har Har Mahadev', set off from various base camps including Nunwan, Pahalgam, Baltal, and Sonmarg. Over 10,000 pilgrims began their journey from the Baltal route on the first day. Authorities have implemented microchipped RFID smart cards to track pilgrims, and security has been intensified due to threats from Pakistan-backed terror groups. The yatra proceeds through challenging terrains, with authorities focusing on pilgrim safety and comfort. A joint security effort involving various forces, including police, CRPF, and paramilitary, is in place. Advanced measures such as aerial surveillance, facial recognition technology, and AI-backed CCTV monitoring have been deployed to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage.