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.

Washington, June 21: With the stalemate between the Congress and the Left parties over the proposed Indo-US nuclear deal continuing in New Delhi, the US has once again reminded India that time was

Amritsar, June 21, :

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.

(Sonbhadra) U. P., June 20 : Development activities in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh hope to contain the spread of naxalism in the area.

Inhabited by a large proportion of tribals, the area has been home to Naxalites for a long time. The Naxalites usually hide in jungles and to effectively chase them, proper roads are a must.

Likewise, police stations are being upgraded alongside building of helipads to ensure a hassle-free transportation during any crisis.