Army to Deploy 5 Batallions for Amarnath Yatra Security This Year

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has said those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be permitted in the pilgrimage.

The Indian Army will deploy five battalions for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on 29 June this year.

An army official said one battalion each will be deployed on the northern, Baltal, and the southern, Pahalgam, routes. Three more battalions would be deployed in consideration of the current unrest in the Valley, he said.

The 40-day yatra ends on 7 August.

The shrine is situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet and is about 141 km from Srinagar.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which conducts the annual pilgrimage, has issued advisories, saying those who wish to trek to the shrine must furnish medical certificates. According to the advisory, those below 13 or above 75 years of age will not be allowed to participate in the pilgrimage.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra and Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi are likely to to pay obeisance at the shrine on the first day of the pilgrimage.

(With inputs from PTI.)