Amarnath pilgrimage suspended from Pahalgam, Baltal on

Srinagar, July 03, 2009: Pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave through traditional Pahalgam route was suspended today because of slippery track due to rains. Because of slippery condition at Poshpatheri and other areas on the track due to rains, no devotee was allowed from Nunwan-Pahalgam base camp today, a yatra official told UNI over phone from Pahalgam. It was stopped for the safety of yatris, he said adding the pilgrims would be allowed to undertake the yatra only when the track become safe for journey.

The official said yatris who were on different halting stations on way to holy cave or back to base camp were safe.

A yatra spokesman said first batch of 1058 yatris, including women and children left from Baltal for holy cave through shortest route. The second batch was also allowed this afternoon, he added.

About 1.5 lakh pilgrims from all over the country had darshan of the Shivlingam since the commencement of the yatra from July 17 from Baltal and July 26 from Pahalgam.

As many as 16 yatris and two local porters have died during the pilgrimage, which would conclude on August 5, Rakshabandan day.

 

--- UNI