Another batch of Amarnath pilgrims leaves

JAMMU, JULY 15. Another batch of 2,606 pilgrims, including 377 women and 243 sadhus, left today for the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas.

The pilgrims left despite inclement weather and light rains, officials said, adding that they were also escorted by security vehicles.

A report from Srinagar said another pilgrim, identified as Tejash Modi of Ahmedabad, died due to cardiac arrest enroute the holy cave.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Delhi High Court that since it cannot provide security and safety to the Amarnath pilgrims against militant attacks and due to inclement weather, the number of pilgrims has been restricted this year.

``The Government can neither provide security nor safety to the pilgrims against the militant attacks and/or inclement weather. Even the existing number is on the higher side and difficult to handle'', the State Assistant Director of Tourism, Mr. Sonam Dorjay, said in an affidavit.

- PTI

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