Fresh batch of 689 pilgrims leave for Amarnath amidst rains

JAMMU: A fresh batch of 689 pilgrims left here on Wednesday for holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir valley despite inclement weather.

With the departure of Wednesday's batch, the number of pilgrims left for the holy cave shrine has reached 48,023 since the commencement of yatra on July 2, officials said.

The batch, comprising 434 men, 139 women, 12 children and 104 sadhus, left from the base camp of MAM stadium here early in the morning.

The pilgrims left in a fleet of 17 vehicles amidst tight security, they said, adding it was raining when they left.

They were expected to reach their respective destinations at Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal camps by this evening, they said.