Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The Amarnath pilgrimage was temporarily suspended from Jammu on Saturday as unfavourable weather conditions and slippery stretches along the route raised safety concerns for pilgrims. Authorities stopped the movement of a fresh batch towards Kashmir as a precautionary measure.
Officials said weather conditions in Ramban district and several parts of the Kashmir Valley were being closely monitored. Given the possibility of further deterioration, no new Yatra convoy was allowed to proceed towards the Valley.
1,202 pilgrims allowed to leave Baltal
While the onward journey was put on hold, authorities permitted pilgrims from the previous batch to return from the Baltal base camp.
According to the Joint Police Control Room, 1,202 pilgrims who had completed darshan at the Amarnath cave were sent towards Jammu in a convoy of 44 vehicles.
The group comprised 867 men, 251 women, one child, 79 sadhus and four sadhvis.
The controlled movement came as part of measures to prevent pilgrims from getting stranded on routes affected by rain and slippery conditions.
Weather remains under close watch
Officials across Jammu and Kashmir are maintaining surveillance of the weather situation and road conditions before allowing the next group of pilgrims to proceed.
The authorities have adopted a particularly cautious approach following previous weather-related incidents during pilgrimage seasons. Last year, a flash flood incident claimed the lives of around 34 pilgrims, highlighting the risks posed by sudden changes in weather in the mountainous terrain.
A separate cloudburst in Kishtwar during the Machail Mata Yatra had also resulted in around 64 deaths.
Earlier six-day suspension
The Amarnath Yatra has faced interruptions earlier as well. The pilgrimage was previously suspended for six days after deteriorating weather and slippery roads were deemed hazardous for devotees.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg had said at the time that the decision was taken primarily to protect pilgrims from dangerous travel conditions.
The latest suspension will remain subject to weather and road conditions. Authorities are expected to review the situation before permitting fresh batches of devotees to resume their journey towards the Amarnath shrine.
