The Amarnath yatra, suspended for two days, resumed in Kashmir on Friday.
Authorities allowed a fresh batch of 2,654 pilgrims to proceed towards Pahalgam and Baltal for their onward journey to the cave shrine in Kashmir, official sources said.
The pilgrims left from the base camp of M A M Stadium in a convoy of 119 vehicles at around 5:45 am amidst tight security.
Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution Raman Bhalla visited the base camp at Baltal, 100 km from Srinagar, to take stock of the situation. Bhalla asked pilgrims visiting the cave shrine to convey the message about the change of atmosphere in the state across the country.
"Peace, brotherhood and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir has created a congenial atmosphere resulting in attracting heavy influx of tourists and pilgrims," he said.
Bhalla directed the authorities incharge of the base camp to release more sugar, Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders and kerosene as per the requirements of 'langars' (community kitchens).