Jammu, August 3 (H.S.): The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended ahead of its scheduled conclusion due to persistent bad weather and hazardous conditions along the pilgrimage routes. Originally slated to conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 9, the yatra has now been called off nearly a week earlier.
The pilgrimage was temporarily halted three days ago following heavy rainfall. On Saturday, officials confirmed that the conditions along both traditional routes — Baltal and Pahalgam — had become unsafe for pilgrims and required urgent repairs. Under these circumstances, it was deemed impossible to resume the yatra.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri stated that the recent rains have severely impacted the region, causing continuous landslides and making the paths dangerous. He added that machinery and personnel are needed for repair work, but continuing both the pilgrimage and repairs simultaneously is not feasible.
Nearly 4 Lakh Devotees Completed the Pilgrimage
According to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, despite the early suspension, approximately four lakh devotees have successfully completed the pilgrimage to the sacred cave this year. However, a decline in pilgrim numbers was observed in the past week, attributed to adverse weather conditions.
Unprecedented Security Arrangements
Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the government implemented extensive security measures for this year’s yatra. Over 600 additional companies of paramilitary forces were deployed, making this one of the most secure religious pilgrimages in the country.
Pilgrims were escorted in tightly secured convoys from Jammu to the base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam. During convoy movements, civilian traffic on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway was suspended to ensure security.
A Cultural Symbol of Harmony
Discovered in the 1850s by a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik, the Amarnath Cave has long been viewed as a symbol of Kashmir’s composite Ganga-Jamuni culture. According to locals, those still directly connected to the yatra are mostly those who rely on it for livelihood — such as pony operators, palanquin bearers, and service providers.
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