New Delhi: More than 8,000 pilgrims on Monday (July  1) paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas as the annual pilgrimage began amid tight security arrangements.

According to reports, Governor Satya Pal Malik participated in the 'pratham puja' (first prayer) inside the 3880-metre high cave shrine and prayed for peace in the state.

A spokesperson of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said, "The yatra began this (Monday) morning from both the routes as the first batch of pilgrims made their way towards the holy cave from the respective base camps."

The spokesperson also said the yatra was flagged off at Pahalgam and Baltal base camps by the officials of the respective district administrations.

He said that on the first day of the yatra, 8,403 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine.

"The yatra commenced today from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes. 6,884 yatris left from Baltal and 3,065 from Pahalgam routes for the holy cave," the spokesperson added.

Stringent security arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

"A robust security cover has been put in place for the yatra, which includes satellite and chip-based tracking of vehicles and pilgrims. The deployment of forces is in various layers to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage," the officials said.

The Governor reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrims at the yatra shrine camp and conveyed the shrine board's gratitude to the state government, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, state police and all the other concerned agencies for their support and cooperation, the spokesperson said.

He said Malik stressed the need for adequate supervision and round the clock monitoring by the camp directors and all the functionaries involved in the management of the yatra to ensure its smooth conduct.

The governor lauded the people of Kashmir for making the annual pilgrimage a successful event ever since it is being observed.

Appreciating the valuable support of local people in the conduct of the yatra, Malik described their role as the true essence of "Kashmiriyat", which is exemplary for its communal harmony, the spokesman said.