Srinagar, July 5 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the South Kashmir Nunwan base camp of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, SANJY-2026, to review arrangements with senior officials.

L-G Sinha said on X, “Today, I visited the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam to review the management of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra with senior officials. The discussions focused on key aspects including movement of pilgrims, security measures, accommodation facilities, registration progress, and other logistical requirements essential for hassle-free holy Yatra.”

The L-G said he has directed officials to prioritise the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims, while ensuring that every devotee of Baba Barfani is made aware of the importance of valid registration with designated dates to minimise waiting times.

“During the visit, I interacted with pilgrims and assured them that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all yatra management departments are working tirelessly to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free spiritual journey,” he wrote on X.

In the last two days since it started on July 3, over 20,000 Yatris have performed the pilgrimage and have left for their home states.

Officials said the 4th batch of Amarnath Ji Yatra comprised 6,721 pilgrims — 4,576 male; 1,310 women; 22 children, 572 sadhus; 154 sadhvis; 38 foreign male devotees and 49 foreign female devotees.

The Baltal-bound convoy comprises 152 vehicles, including 50 buses, 12 medium motor vehicles and 90 light motor vehicles.

The Pahalgam-bound convoy consisted of 139 vehicles, including 84 buses, 25 MMVs and 30 LMVs.

The 57-day SANJY-2026 will end on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

The cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3880 metres houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Since the area beyond the two base camps has been declared a ‘no-fly zone’, helicopter services are not available to the Yatris this year.

–IANS

sq/dpb