
Fri Jul 04 04:36:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The annual Amarnath Yatra is underway in the Kashmir Himalayas. Over 14,000 pilgrims have already visited the shrine. On July 4, 2025, a third batch of over 6,400 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Valley, escorted by CRPF. Pilgrims are taking both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route. Security is tight, including a multi-tier security cover at the base camp, despite a prior attack in April. Over 3.5 lakh people have registered online, and accommodations and registration centers are set up for the pilgrims.
**News Article:**
**Thousands More Pilgrims Embark on Amarnath Yatra Amidst Tight Security**
**Jammu, July 4, 2025** – The Amarnath Yatra continues as thousands of pilgrims are making their way to the Himalayan cave shrine. A third group of 6,411 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu today, July 4th, joining the thousands already undertaking the annual pilgrimage. Authorities have reported that approximately 14,000 pilgrims have already paid their respects at the 3,880-meter-high shrine since the 38-day yatra commenced on Thursday.
The latest batch, comprising men, women, children, sadhus, and sadhvis, left in two convoys early this morning, escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Pilgrims are opting for both the traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route. Since the start of the Yatra from Jammu, a total of 17,549 pilgrims have set off for the Valley.
Security remains a top priority for the authorities. The Bhagwati Nagar base camp is under a multi-tier security cover, put in place to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. These measures were reinforced following an attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd.
Despite the security concerns, the enthusiasm for the yatra remains high. Over 3.5 lakh people have registered online for the pilgrimage this year. Thirty-four accommodation centers have been established across Jammu, and RFID tags are being issued to pilgrims for tracking and safety. Twelve counters have been set up to facilitate on-the-spot registration for those who need it.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant religious event for Hindus, and its smooth and safe execution is a major focus for authorities.