Shri Amarnath Yatra Suspended for the Second Consecutive Day

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), July 10, 2016 - Shri Amarnath Yatra remained suspended for the second consecutive day yesterday due to violence in Kashmir valley.

National Highway, was blocked due to protests at many places in South Kashmir, the authorities closed it for traffic as a safety measure.

Pilgrims are stranded at various places on National Highway and are facing many hardships. Authorities are doing their best to safeguard and help pilgrims to Shri Amarnath Shrine.

As per official sources, over 5000 pilgrims are stranded at Jammu at various Bhawans, Sabhas and other Community halls. Besides, pilgrims were also stranded at Udhampur, Batote, Kud, Patnitop, Ramban and Banihal. Yatris who reached these destinations were not allowed to proceed further by the authorities in view of the tense situation in Kashmir valley.

Spokesman said that about 15,000 pilgrims were estimated to have been stranded at Baltal after darshans at Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji as no yatri was allowed to proceed towards Srinagar for their onward jurney to Jammu. Another 878 pilgrims are stranded at Pahalgam base camp. However, 15,684 pilgrims performed darshan at holy cave by yesterday evening taking the total number of yatris who performed darshan of Shri Amarnath Ice Lingam in last eight days of pilgrimage to 1,18,747.

The Internet & Mobile services in the Kashmir remained suspended for the 2^nd day today affecting pilgrims to get in touch with their families back home. The administration has now ordered suspension of mobile Internet services in entire Jammu region as a precautionary measure.

In view of the heavy rush at Baltal the authorities may allow some pilgrims who have further booking of air tickets or my cross the Banihal during night hours to proceed towards Jammu.

However, yatra remained suspended from Jammu to base camps of Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam today as well as the situation continued to be tense in Valley.

Some yatris reaching here from Srinagar alleged that their vehicles were attacked by agitated mob and many vehicles were damaged by stone pelters. The yatris said any vehicle having outside number was the target.

Some of Shri Amarnath yatris who were stopped at Lakhanpur (the entry post to Jammu & Kashmir State bordering Punjab) returned to their home States while others left for the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

The decision on resuming Shri Amarnath Yatra is likely to be taken after assessing the situation in the Valley.