Heavy weather forecast makes Amarnath pilgrim upset
Srinagar: The unusual weather has created barriers over the commencement of holy Amarnath Yatra on Thursday. The yatra was allowed to start two months long pilgrimage on Thursday this morning official sources said.
There was heavy rain on both the tracks over ground level at Pahalgam and the Baltal route since early morning, making the way slippery and unable to move on. However, a number of pilgrims were seen moving towards chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional route.
“As per the latest update the rain is still going on,” said the Police Control Room Srinagar.
While talking to the weatherman he said, “If the weather improves the yatra will be allowed to take on their footsteps towards the cave shrine in South Kashmir Himaliyas. Adding that once we receive that the tracks are safe for the journey the move will be allowed to commence the yatra.
Around 3000 pilgrims which includes 780 males, 190 females, one child and 120 sahdus for Baltal while 1550 male, 330 female and 20 children left for Pahalgam, using 113 vehicles including few motorcycles as well.
On the eve of the Amarnath Yatra the Jammu and Kashmir government had deployed additional 1213 companies of paramilitary forces enlarging the strength of the existing government forces in the State. Moreover, special Bikers squad and Quick Action Teams of CRPF were providing mobile security cover to assist the cave alcade of pilgrims.
Despite the militancy related incidents which have distraught the peace in the valley the government have deployed the sharp shooters on both sides of Batal and Pahalgam tracks to ensure safe and peaceful two months long journey for the nationwide pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir.
