Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 5 (ANI): Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that around 26,000-27,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath Yatra since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage on July 2, dispelling the misconception that the enthusiasm of pilgrims would decrease after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The Union Minister attributed the turnout of the pilgrims as a testament to the success of the government and said that people have confidence that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there would be no shortcomings in the security arrangements.

'So far, 26,000-27,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath Yatra. The misconception that the enthusiasm of pilgrims would decrease after the Pahalgam terrorist attack has been dispelled. People have such confidence that with Prime Minister Modi in charge, they know there will be no shortcomings in their security arrangements,' said Jitendra Singh.

'People from every section of society, both from within the country and abroad, are coming for the Amarnath Yatra. This is a testament to the success of the government,' he added.

Security arrangements have been strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir, including Udhampur, as the annual pilgrimage progresses through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

The annual pilgrimage, which began on Thursday, is being conducted via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the holy site.

Earlier, authorities set up 17 medical camps at langar sites, established mini hospitals, and deployed ambulances across the Ramban district as the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage commences today, weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead following religious profiling.

A fresh batch of pilgrims set off for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba on Saturday morning, chanting 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' as they began their journey.

One pilgrim at the Baltal base camp, who was visiting the Amarnath shrine for the 14th time, praised the arrangements.

'I am from Sangrur, Punjab. This is the 14th time I have come for the Amarnath Yatra. There is no need to rush. The arrangements made by the government are excellent,' he told ANI. (ANI)