Amarnath Yatra stopped on both routes in Kashmir due to heavy rains
Amarnath Yatra stopped on both routes cause of rains Annual Amarnath pilgrimage was put on hold on both routes in Kashmir on Thursday morning owing to incessant rains which lashes the yatra route area via Baltal ( Sonmarg) and Nunwan (Pahalgam) Around 3,000 yatris, who had arrived at yatra base camps in central Kashmir’s Baltal and south Kashmir’s Pahalgam from Jammu, have been asked to stay put in their tents disappointing them. Witnesses say that authorities are announcing on speakers about Yatra suspension cause of rains,"All the yatris are requested not to queue up outside the gate. They won’t be allowed to move ahead today as the track has become slippery due to rains, officials announced on loudspeakers at Baltal camp. Officials say as the track became walkable, they will allow yatra to proceed, "The yatra from this side (Pahalgam) had been put on hold till rains stopped and tracks became walkable". From Baltal (Sonmarg) side, the route is shorter but vertical and yatris have to trek for just 14 km, while its 36 kms up from Pahalgam base camp. But yatra from Pahalgam has got more religious importance according to Hindu religious books. Police authorities are also requesting support from yatries as Yatries consider the rains as barrier (baadha) from evil and want to continue the yatra despite all odds. -PTC News
