Jammu: A total of 2,995 pilgrims escorted by the security forces left Jammu on Wednesday in two batches who will start their Amarnath Yatra that begins from Thursday.

According to the police, the first group of 1,091 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 4.45 a.m. and were proceeding to the Baltal base camp.