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Historic Turnout at Amarnath Shrine

In an impressive display of faith, over 100,000 devotees have visited the revered Amarnath cave shrine in the Kashmir Valley within just the first six days of the 2025 pilgrimage season, setting a new record. This remarkable turnout comes in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which had raised concerns regarding the safety of the pilgrims.

The Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3 and has seen an extraordinary influx of devotees. On the very first day, more than 12,000 pilgrims made their way to the sacred site, with numbers continuing to climb, reaching a peak of 23,857 visitors on Monday. By July 8, officials anticipate an additional 20,000 pilgrims to arrive at the shrine via the Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal routes, marking a significant milestone of over 100,000 attendees in the opening week of the Yatra.

Devotees Praise Security Measures

Pilgrims have expressed their appreciation for the arrangements made for this year's Yatra, commending the logistical support and security protocols established by the authorities. Many devotees have acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in creating a secure environment for the followers of Lord Shiva. One pilgrim remarked, "Terrorism cannot extinguish the faith of devotees," adding, "They may take ten lives, but ten thousand will continue to come here. We will return for pilgrimage time and again."

Excitement Builds Among Pilgrims

As thousands gather at Pahalgam, Baltal, and Srinagar Pantha Chowk camps, anticipation fills the atmosphere as they await their turn to visit the holy cave temple. Devotees are thankful for the exceptional arrangements made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, which have significantly eased the challenges of this pilgrimage.

Security Enhancements Post-Attack

Following the attack on April 22, over 350,000 devotees had initially registered for this year's Yatra. However, the incident led to a notable drop in registrations, with only 85,000 confirming their participation. Nevertheless, the visible security measures and effective arrangements have prompted a rise in on-the-spot registrations. The determination of the devotees remains unwavering: "Terrorism cannot stop the faith of devotees," they reiterated.

A robust three-tier security framework has been established, with more than 581 additional companies deployed from Jammu to Kashmir to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Various security forces, including the Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB, are actively engaged in safeguarding the routes taken by the devotees. Advanced technologies, such as AI-driven CCTV surveillance and RFID cards for real-time tracking of pilgrims and vehicles, have been introduced to enhance safety and prevent unauthorized access.

Potential for Record-Breaking Pilgrimage

The substantial turnout in the initial week of the Yatra indicates that this year's pilgrimage could exceed last year's record of 512,000 devotees. The final attendance figures will be revealed later, as the Yatra is set to conclude on August 9, 2025, spanning a total of 38 days.

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