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JAMMU, INDIA, July 14, 2004: The official Amarnath yatra began today and keeping in mind the immense security problems, the administration has deployed around 6,400 security personnel. Special commandos from the CRPF have also been deployed at the base camp in Jammu for the first time in view of definite intelligence reports that Muslim militants may try to target it. While about 4,900 personnel are being deployed in the Kashmir Valley, around 2,500 will provide security to the pilgrims along the yatra route in Jammu region. The BSF has also replaced the CRPF in providing escort to the convoy of yatra buses.



Meanwhile, the yatra was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma from Jammu’s Maulana Azad stadium this morning. About 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to visit the cave shrine during the one-and-half month yatra. The authorities have allowed 3,500 yatris per day to proceed to the holy shrine in south Kashmir. They have also set up 18 lodging centres in Jammu, where arrangements have been made for drinking water, ration and medical care.

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