NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding the gloom and panic caused by the gruesome killings of over two dozen civilians in Pahalgam, J&K govt is determined to go ahead with the annual Amarnath Yatra , scheduled to start in early July.
Though the yatra is to be held over only 38 days this year, starting July 3 and ending on Aug 9, sources said a smaller 15-day window may be kept for pilgrim arrivals at the holy cave, given that the nearly 50-70% yatris are known to visit in the first fortnight of the pilgrimage . "This is because the ice Shivling, due to warm weather, often melts after the first 15 days, reducing the pilgrim arrivals to more of a trickle in the subsequent days," said a J&K govt officer.
Sources said the 15-day window, during which maximum number of yatris pay obeisance at the cave, will see tightened and unprecedented security, with massive security deployment on the yatra route and fortification of the camps. In the second half of the 38-day yatra period, the pilgrims may be informally advised about the status of the ice-lingam and encouraged through the pilgrimage operators to review their decision to undertake the trek to the cave.
There may be some tweaks or restrictions to the approach routes to the yatra after the first 15 days, said a source. "We plan to ensure concentrated security in the first 15 days, when most yatris undertake the pilgrimage. A call may eventually be taken if only one route should be kept open in the later days," said an officer.
Though the yatra is to be held over only 38 days this year, starting July 3 and ending on Aug 9, sources said a smaller 15-day window may be kept for pilgrim arrivals at the holy cave, given that the nearly 50-70% yatris are known to visit in the first fortnight of the pilgrimage . "This is because the ice Shivling, due to warm weather, often melts after the first 15 days, reducing the pilgrim arrivals to more of a trickle in the subsequent days," said a J&K govt officer.
Sources said the 15-day window, during which maximum number of yatris pay obeisance at the cave, will see tightened and unprecedented security, with massive security deployment on the yatra route and fortification of the camps. In the second half of the 38-day yatra period, the pilgrims may be informally advised about the status of the ice-lingam and encouraged through the pilgrimage operators to review their decision to undertake the trek to the cave.
There may be some tweaks or restrictions to the approach routes to the yatra after the first 15 days, said a source. "We plan to ensure concentrated security in the first 15 days, when most yatris undertake the pilgrimage. A call may eventually be taken if only one route should be kept open in the later days," said an officer.
You may also like
IAF carries out 'Aakraman' exercise with Rafales, Navy conducts drill
Celebrity Big Brother star Jack P Shepherd 'blocked' from post-show deals
"We are all with him": Lucknow Shahi Imam backs PM Modi's decision after Pahalgam terror attack
Attacker part of earlier strikes, had Pakistan handlers
Iranian Foreign Minister ready to visit European capitals to resolve differences
