Amarnath Yatra to remain “temporarily” suspended

Srinagar, Jul 25: Authorities in Kashmir on Saturday said the Amarnath Yatra will remain “temporarily” suspended from the Pahalgam axis to carry out repair and maintenance works necessitated by the rainfall in Kashmir over the last few days.

“In view of the repair and maintenance works necessitated by recent rainfall, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra will continue through the Baltal axis, while the Pahalgam axis will remain temporarily closed for pilgrimage,” Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said here.

He said the recent rains have caused conditions requiring urgent repair and restoration works along the Pahalgam route.

“To ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the Yatra, comprehensive arrangements have been made on the Baltal axis for the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims,” he said.

The divisional commissioner Kashmir said that so far this year, more than 3.95 lakh pilgrims have undertaken darshan at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during this year’s Yatra, reflecting the successful and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.–(PTI)