This year's Yatra concluded without any militancy-related incidents, as scores of security forces toiled day and night for 43 days, keeping the Yatra route, transit camps, base camps and the cave shrine safe from any attack.
At least 16 people were killed while 40 others were injured in flash floods near the cave shrine on July 8.
In addition to 16 pilgrims killed by flash floods on July 8, a total of 28 others have died of natural causes.
Of these, 3,192 are males, 641 females, 13 children, 174 'sadhus' and six 'sadhvis', they said.
The deceased was identified as Sushil Khatri, former in-charge of Sri Ganganagar traffic police station.
A Border Security Force spokesperson in Delhi said "16 bodies have been shifted to Baltal."
Authorities have temporarily suspended the Yatra from both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar had earlier told reporters that rescue operations by various agencies is underway, the situation is under control and the injured are being airlifted for treatment.
ITBP teams have teamed up with NDRF, SDRF, police and other civil administration for the rescue operation. A chopper is rushed to rescue the injured from the spot.
Official sources said that the Amarnath Yatra has been going on smoothly since it started on June 30.
Amarnath Yatra Commences From Today, Watch First Group Of Pilgrims En Route To The Holy Cave
The Jammu and Kashmir government is making elaborate arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra this year, officials in the Union Home Ministry said here.
Highly placed sources in the security grid said that the anti-drones mechanism will be put along the routes up to the cave and at the assembly points at the base camp in Baltal and Pahalgam.
A total of 13 highly professional instructors, including two more Everesters' -- selection grade constables Nazir Ahmad and Falil Singh -- are involved in the training of the selected batches. The training centre remains open for six months from November-December, Singh said.
Talking to reporters here, he said that this year. Amarnath Yatra will be one of the biggest yatras in the history of J&K as around 6-8 lakh pilgrims are expected to arrive on the pilgrimage.
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