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1,381 pilgrims begin yatra

By Our Staff Reporter

THE FIRST LOT: Pilgrims waiting to register their names for the Amarnath yatra, outside the exhibition grounds in Jammu on Wednesday. — PTI

JAMMU, JULY 14. The annual Amarnath Yatra officially started today with the first batch of 1,381 pilgrims beginning the trek from the MAM Stadium here. More than 1.5 lakh pilgrims from across the country had registered for the `yatra' that would continue for the next 45 days. The `yatra' was flagged off by the Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma. Preparations for the pilgrimage began at dawn with the chanting of hymns.

Security for the pilgrims is at an unprecedented level. Paramilitary forces and Quick Reaction Teams have been deployed at the MAM stadium, the base camp, to prevent attacks by militants. An escort team, comprising paramilitary forces and the State police, will accompany each batch of pilgrims.

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