Jammu, July 9 : A fresh batch of 870 pilgrims left for the Amarnath yatra from the base camp of Bhagwati Nagar early this morning.

According to official sources, the batch of devotees included 208 women and 13 children. They were escorted by a group of CRPF personnel.

The pilgrimage ends on August 16. 

Security forces have been put on a high alert along the entire route of the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. 

The security setup consists of area domination and setting up of mountain posts by Army, deployments of CRPF and mobile patrolling by armed police.

Every year, a large number of devotees trek the steep, slippery 48-kilometre route to reach the Amarnath cave shrine, which stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. (ANI)