The first batch of Amarnath Yatra has been flagged off from Baltal base camp today. Pilgrims left for Amarnath Cave shrine. In the 45-day long Amarnath Yatra, authorities have made tight security arrangements for the first batch of pilgrims at Baltal Base Camp. The Yatra will begin from today and conclude on August 15. The Amarnath cave is considered as one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. The Amarnath Yatra is conducted every year during Shravani Mela, which starts from July and continues till August. The holy cave remains open during this period and it attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Sunday said the “Muslims brothers” play an important role every year in the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra in the state. “We are making arrangements for security of the Amarnath Yatra but this yatra is not conducted by Army or Police. For many years it's being conducted by people of Kashmir, especially our Muslim brothers, it's conducted with their support.”