Jammu, June 21: Fresh batch of 3,692 pilgrims left for the Amarnath cave shrine here today.

According to official sources, the devotees, including more than 214 sadhus, left in a convoy of 95 vehicles from the base camp of Bhagwati Nagar early this morning.

The pilgrimage was suspended yesterday due to bad weather.

With this batch, as many as 11,943 pilgrims have left Jammu for the shrine. The first batch left on June 17.

The two-month long yatra will conclude on August 16.

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

Srinagar, June 21: Kulkdeep Khuda, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, has said that police was alert to any situation arising out of the presence of a large number of militants in the State.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a passing out parade, Khuda said more than a 1000 militants were operating in the valley.

"We have formed secret forces and are vigilant. We are rigorously engaged in our efforts to fight terrorists to ensure peace in the valley," Khuda said.

Srinagar, June 21: Union Minister for Textiles Shankarsinh Vaghela will dedicate the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology and the Craft Development Institute to the nation here today.

These projects will give a boost to the promotion and development of textiles and handicrafts in the State.

The two projects are part of the Prime Ministers’ Special Package of Jammu and Kashmir launched at the cost of Rs. 6 crores and Rs. 10 crores respectively.

Bandipora (Jammu and Kashmir), June 19 : Bandipora’s affair with Tongas hasn’t ended in spite of the rest of the world moving towards fast cars and high technology.

People of Bandipora town, which is situated about 80 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, still use the "Tonga" for transportation.

The Maharajas of Kashmir introduced Tonga here in the 1930s. It was a symbol of luxury at that time.

Srinagar, June 20 : The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology and the Craft Development Institute will be declared open here by Union Minister of Textiles Shankersinh Vaghela tomorrow.

These projects will give a boost to the promotion and development of textiles and handicrafts in the State.

The two projects are part of the Prime Ministers’ Special Package of Jammu and Kashmir launched at the cost of Rs. 6 crores and Rs. 10 crores respectively.

Srinagar, June 20 : A self-styled divisional commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit was killed in a joint operation by army and police in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla District today.