Jammu, July 22 (Reporter) A fresh batch of 3,536 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu today to offer prayers at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in the South Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. “A fresh batch of 3,536 pilgrims this morning left for the Shri Amarnath Yatra cave shrine in Kashmir from the Jammu base camp amid tight security arrangements,” they added. The pilgrims were escorted by security forces to ensure a safe and smooth passage. Of the total pilgrims, 2,286 have taken the traditional Pahalgam route, while 1,250 opted for the shorter but steeper Baltal route. The group is travelling in a fleet of 132 vehicles, including both light and heavy motor vehicles. The 38-day annual yatra commenced on July 2 from the twin routes of Nunwan–Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal, and is scheduled to conclude on August 9. According to official data, over three lakh pilgrims have so offered prayers at the cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres, making this year’s yatra one of the most attended in recent times. The Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, is traditionally held during the Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan)...////...