Amarnath Yatra: J-K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi inaugurates langar at Baltal camp

Yatris stayed for rest at the camp where the J-K Waqf Board Chairperson inaugurated the langar and addressed the gathering.

"At Baltal this evening: Welcomed Amarnath Ji Yatris & inaugurated a Langer Bhandara at the base camp. Addressed an impressive gathering of Yatris & eminent citizens at a grand reception event," she said on X.

Meanwhile, a van carrying Amarnath pilgrims met with an accident near Chandanwari in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, leaving at least two persons injured, officials said on Sunday.

"Today, a van carrying Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris met with an accident near Chandanwari. The pilgrims sustained serious head injuries & were promptly evacuated by the #BSF QRT (Quick Response Team) to a nearby hospital," the Border Security Force (BSF) said in a post on X.

Though BSF did not mention the number of people injured in the accident, visuals showed two of the pilgrims, including a woman could be seen admitted to the hospital. Their identities were not confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to the pilgrims embarking on the holy Amarnath Yatra on Saturday.

The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine began on Saturday. This year, the 52-day-long pilgrimage would culminate on August 19.

"My heartfelt best wishes to all the pilgrims on the commencement of the holy Amarnath Yatra. This yatra associated with the darshan and worship of Baba Barfani infuses immense energy in the devotees of Lord Shiva. I wish that all the devotees may prosper with his blessings. Jai Baba Barfani!" PM Modi wrote on X.

The first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims reached Baltal base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal on Friday.

A pilgrim at Baltal base camp said, "Being in the first batch gives us the opportunity of first darshan. Local Kashmiris and Security Forces personnel here are very helpful." (ANI)