Qazigund, July 2 -- Amid tight security, the first batch of pilgrims for Amaranth Yatra reached at Navyug tunnel in Qazigund on Wednesday.

An official told that first batch of 5892 pilgrims were welcomed by DIG South Kashmir, Javid Iqbal Mantoo, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam Athar Amir Khan along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal, Senior BJP Leader Ravindra Raina and other officials from civil, police and local citizens.

"Out of 5892, 2489 shall perform yatra via the Baltal route, whereas 3403 will follow the longer Anantnag route to reach the holy cave", he said.

"More than 3.31 lakh devotees have registered so far for this year's Amarnath Yatra" he said.

The Yatra began earlier today from Jammu wher...