Jammu: The Amarnath Yatra was temporarily halted from Jammu on Saturday as adverse weather conditions affected several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to restrict the movement of fresh batches of pilgrims towards the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said no new convoy was permitted to proceed from Jammu as a precautionary measure. Slippery road conditions, particularly in and around Ramban district and other parts of the Valley, raised concerns over the safety of pilgrims travelling through vulnerable stretches.
Over 1,200 pilgrims allowed to return
While the onward movement was stopped, authorities allowed the previous group of pilgrims to leave the Baltal base camp for Jammu.
According to the Joint Police Control Room, a total of 1,202 pilgrims who had completed their pilgrimage at the holy cave were permitted to travel back in a convoy comprising 44 vehicles.
The returning group included 867 men, 251 women, one child, 79 sadhus and four sadhvis.
Officials said the situation is being monitored closely as rain and other adverse weather conditions continue across several areas.
Authorities adopt cautious approach
The decision to suspend the pilgrimage comes against the backdrop of previous weather-related tragedies in the region. Authorities have adopted a precautionary approach to prevent pilgrims from being exposed to potentially dangerous road and weather conditions.
Last year, a flash flood incident during the Amarnath pilgrimage reportedly claimed the lives of around 34 pilgrims. A separate cloudburst in Kishtwar, which occurred around the same period during the Machail Mata Yatra, resulted in approximately 64 deaths.
Yatra had been suspended earlier too
The pilgrimage has faced weather-related interruptions earlier during the current season. At one point, the Yatra remained suspended for six days after officials assessed that poor weather and slippery routes posed a significant risk to pilgrims.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg had previously cited deteriorating weather and hazardous road conditions while explaining the decision to temporarily stop the pilgrimage.
With conditions currently being assessed, authorities are expected to take a decision on resuming the movement of fresh pilgrims based on weather conditions and the safety of the routes.
