Jammu, June 28 -- A total of 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which is 30 more than in previous years, have been deployed for the security of the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Jammu division this year, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti assured a safe pilgrimage to every 'yatri' but appealed to them to undertake the journey in official convoys if they plan to travel from Jammu rather than travelling independently.

The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp a day before the start of the annual yatra.

"Police are alert to ensure the security of every (Amarnath) pilgrim. Five districts (Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udham...