Rescue teams and security personnel have been deployed along the affected areas to prevent further mishaps
Digital Desk: The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for the first time this year from Jammu, following a tragic landslide that claimed the life of a 55-year-old woman. This suspension is announced today, dated - 17th of July, after continuous rainfall battered the Kashmir valley for over 36 hours.
The deceased pilgrim was struck by “shooting stones” along the Baltal route, one of the two main paths to the sacred Amarnath cave. Several others were reportedly injured as well, raising serious security concerns about devotees' safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for more heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to put the yatra on hold until conditions improve. The persistent weather patterns have caused mudslides and landslides, making the pilgrimage route very risky in the mountains.
Authorities have said that the safety of pilgrims was the prime concern, and adequate measures are being put in place. Across the affected areas, rescue groups and security agents have been posted to avoid the occurrence of more mishaps.
The Amarnath Yatra is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages, and lakhs of pilgrims flock to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, which is situated at 3,888 meters, and is a total of 141 kilometers north of Srinagar. The yatra is a journey that has been considered to be spiritually important, though in modern days it has fallen at the hands of the whims of the mountains, where it is performed during months that are entirely uncertain and unpredictable.
The government is keeping a close track of the development and will take a decision whether to permit the continuation of the yatra depending on the latest weather forecast.
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