IAF C-17s to Airlift Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims on J&K Govt Request
J&K government issued an advisory in the wake of intelligence inputs of “specific terror threats” to Amarnath yatra.
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Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on late Friday night that "unnecessary panic" was being created by linking the curtailment of Amarnath Yatra with other issues, and requested political leaders to ask their supporters to maintain calm and not believe in "exaggerated rumours".
The Jammu and Kashmir government has now requested the Indian Air Force to airlift the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims out of the Kashmir valley to places such as Jammu, Pathankot or Delhi from where they can go back home, reports said.
- The government order advised tourists and the yatris to curtail their stay in Kashmir and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible
- The yatra had earlier been suspended till 4 August, reportedly due to inclement weather
- The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre high Amarnath cave shrine officially kicked off on 1 July
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Pilgrims Leave for Cave Shrine Amid High Security
The first batch of pilgrims to Amarnath left for the famous cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir early Monday morning.
A total of 1,617 pilgrims – 1,174 men, 379 women, 15 children, 49 saints – began their journey from the Baltal axis. Meanwhile, 2,800 pilgrims – 2,321 men, 463 women, 16 children started from Pahalgam axis, this morning, according to ANI.
Authorities Issue ‘Barcode-Enabled’ Authority Slip to Pilgrims
Authorities issued ‘barcode-enabled’ authority slip to pilgrims to keep a track of the actual number of people travelling to, and from the cave shrine, according to ANI.
ITPB Troops Help Pilgrims With Oxygen Cylinders
Security and Medical assistance ready ITBP troops assisted the pilgrims with oxygen cylinders on their back and other emergency medical requirements on Baltal route of Amarnath Yatra.
ITBP Troops Help Yatris on Baltal Route
Indo-Tibetan Border Police troops help a woman yatri on the Baltal route.
Governor Satya Pal Malik Offers Prayers at Amarnath Shrine
Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday prayed at the sanctum sanctorum of the holy shrine to mark the beginning of annual Amarnath yatra on Monday, ANI reported.
Malik also participated in the 'Pratham Pooja' ceremony, where he prayed for the sustained peace and harmony in the state. Umang Narula, the Chief Executive Officer of the Amarnath Shrine Board, accompanied Malik on the occasion.
Third batch of 4,823 Pilgrims Leave for Amarnath Shrine
The third batch of 4,823 Amarnath pilgrims left a base camp here Tuesday, 2 July for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir.
As many as 8,403 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine in the Himalayas till Monday evening, officials said.
Over 1.5 lakh pilgrims from across the country have so far registered for the 46-day long pilgrimage, which takes place from the 36-km Pahalgam track in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district and 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Mehbooba Mufti Wishes Amarnath Yatris a Successful Pilgrimage
Pilgrims Enroute Amarnath Cave Shrine Amid Security in Ganderbal
11,000 More Devotees Have 'Shivling' Darshan at Holy Cave
Over 11,000 pilgrims on Tuesday, 2 July, paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas as a fresh batch of 4,800 yatris left from Jammu base camp for Pahalgam and Baltal camps.
"On the second day of the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 11,456 Yatris paid obeisance at the Holy Cave. Till date, 19,859 yatris had 'darshan' of the Shivling at the Holy Cave," a spokesman for the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board told news agency PTI.
Earlier in the day, the third batch of 4,823 Amarnath pilgrims had left a Jammu base camp for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine.
As many as 8,403 pilgrims paid obeisance at the shrine in the Himalayas till Monday evening, officials reportedly said.
Pilgrims Feel Breathless, ITBP Provides Oxygen
More than 15 pilgrims, after feeling breathless were administered oxygen by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel en-route the Baltal Axis.
Fourth Batch of Pilgrims Leave for Amarnath Shrine
The fourth batch of 4,694 pilgrims has left for Amarnath shrine.
Nearly 14,000 Pilgrims Pay Obeisance at Amarnath Shrine on Day 3
On the third day of the Amarnath Yatra, nearly 14,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the naturally formed ice lingam in the cave shrine on Wednesday, even as four devotees had to be airlifted for medical attention, PTI reported quoting officials.
"13,835 yatris paid obeisance at the Holy Cave (on Wednesday). Till date, 33,694 Yatris had a darshan of the Shivling at the holy cave," a spokesman for the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said.
ITBP Personnel Deployed Near Sangam Baltal Route for Pilgrims' Safety
ITBP personnel were deployed for security at a glacier area Thursday, near Sangam on Baltal route for the protection of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
Over 25 Pilgrims Suffer From Breathlessness, Administered Oxygen
After suffering from breathlessness, more than 25 pilgrims have been administered oxygen at 12,000 feet by ITBP personnel on Baltal route of Amarnath Yatra.
Protest Against Govt Order Banning Civilian Traffic on J-K NH During Amarnath Yatra
Peoples United Front staged a sit-in in Srinagar on Friday, 5 July, to protest the ban on civilian traffic on a stretch of Srinagar-Jammu national highway for over five hours a day during Amarnath yatra.
6th Batch of 4,422 Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Amarnath Cave Shrine
A batch of 4,422 pilgrims left a base camp on Friday for 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir amid tight security.
The batch of 4,422 pilgrims -- including 3,670 men, 809 women and 28 children -- left the Bhagwati Nagar banse camp here at around 3.30 am for Pahalgam and Baltal in a fleet of 185 vehicles escorted by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, PTI reported quoting officials.
Cop Held for Filming Women Taking Bath at Amarnath Yatra Camp
A police constable was on Friday arrested for allegedly recording the video of women devotees taking bath at a camp during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra here, PTI reported.
Tariq Ahmed was serving in the 19th battalion of the Indian Reserve Police and a case under Section 354 (intent to outrage the modesty of women) of the Ranbir Penal Code was registered against him at Trikuta Nagar Police station.
He was released on bail shortly afterwards.
Around 17,000 Pilgrims Pay Obeisance at Amarnath Cave Shrine on Day 5
Nearly 17,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir on Friday, 5 July.
Nearly 17,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir on Friday, PTI reported quoting a Raj Bhavan spokesperson.
He said till date, 67,228 pilgrims visited the cave shrine.
BSNL Gets Govt Nod to Provide Special Pre-Loaded Sims for Amarnath Pilgrims
State-owned telecom firm BSNL has received approval of the home ministry and the Department of Telecommunications to provide special SIM to Amarnath pilgrims, PTI reported.
"Since prepaid connections of other states are not allowed to work in Jammu and Kashmir, special pre-loaded Yatra SIMs are being provided by BSNL with the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the DoT," BSNL said in a statement.
Over 67,000 Pilgrims Perform Amarnath Yatra
Over 67,000 pilgrims performed the Amarnath Yatra during the first five days while another batch of 5,124 yatris left Jammu on Saturday, officials said.
The yatris on Saturday left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Kashmir Valley. The Yatra began on 1 July.
"Of these, 1,994 yatris left in the first escorted convoy at 3 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 3,130 yatris left at 3.20 a.m. in the second convoy for the Pahalgam base camp," a police officer said.
CRPF Launches Mobile Help Centre for Amarnath Pilgrims
The CRPF Saturday launched a mobile help centre that will visit different lodgement centres here to address the problems being faced by Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, an official said.
This is in addition to the help desks set up by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the Jammu railway station and the airport.
(PTI)
12 Pilgrims Injured As Two Buses Headed to Amarnath Yatra Base Camp Collide
A dozen pilgrims were injured Saturday after two buses which were on the way to a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra rammed into each other in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, police said.
The incident took place at Turki-Tashlow near Wanpoh on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in the afternoon, a police official said.
(PTI)
Nearly 50 Pilgrims Administered Oxygen in Baltal Route
Nearly 50 pilgrims administered oxygen by ITBP personnel in Baltal route.
Over 81,000 Perform Amarnath Yatra in Six Days
At least 81,630 pilgrims have performed this year’s Amarnath Yatra since it began on July 1, while another batch of 4,773 pilgrims on Sunday left Jammu for Kashmir Valley, officials said.
The yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys.
“Of these, 2,022 yatris are going to Baltal base camp while 2,751are going to Pahalgam base camp,” a police officer said.
The 45-day long Amarnath Yatra started this year on 1 July and will conclude on 15 August coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.
Amarnath Yatra Suspended Today Over Strike by Separatists
The Amarnath yatra was suspended on Monday, 8 July, as a precautionary measure following a strike called by separatist in Kashmir valley to mark the third death anniversary of former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, officials said.
The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880 meter high holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas will resume Tuesday, they said.
The officials said the Amarnath-bound convoy, which usually leaves the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for Kashmir in the early hours, was not allowed to head for the cave shrine to avoid any untoward incident in view of law and order situation in the valley.
Wani, once a poster boy of militancy in the valley, was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016, in Kokernag area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
"The yatra is suspended from Jammu for the day and will resume Tuesday," a police official said.
Jammu and Kashmir Police Take Cognizance of Security Arrangements
The Jammu and Kashmir police have taken to Twitter to share images of security arrangements on the National Highway.
Farooq Abdullah Disagrees With Govt's Restriction on Use of Highway
Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, has disagreed with the government restricting the usage of the Jammu-Srinagar highway. He believes that closing the highway will cause friction between people and it should not have been shut even for two hours as the matter at hand is one of religion and faith.
Amarnath Pilgrim Injured as Rock Hits His Vehicle
A pilgrim on way to Amarnath cave shrine was injured on Tuesday, 9 July, when a large rock hit the vehicle he was travelling in on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district, PTI reported, quoting officials.
A Tavera vehicle, which was part of a cavalcade carrying a batch of pilgrims to twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal, was hit after the rock rolled down from a hill top, they said, adding that the injured was hospitalised.
Fresh Batch of Pilgrims Leave for Amarnath Yatra After Day-Long Suspension
After a day-long suspension, the Amarnath Yatra resumed on Tuesday, 9 July, with a fresh batch of 5,964 pilgrims leaving a base camp in Jammu to pay obeisance at 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir, PTI reported, quoting officials.
The 46-day yatra, which started from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on 1 July, crossed the one lakh-mark on Monday.
Braving rains which lashed wide parts of Jammu, the ninth batch of 5,964 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a fleet of 254 vehicles under tight security cover early Tuesday.
The batch will reach the Valley later in the day, the officials further said, adding that the batch has the highest number of pilgrims who left for the yatra in a single day so far.
Maintain Heightened Surveillance on All Fronts, J&K Governor tells CRPF
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday, 9 July, asked the CRPF to maintain heightened surveillance on all fronts in the state including internal security for the smooth conduct of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, news agency PTI reported.
Malik made the observations during a meeting with Additional Director General of the CRPF Zulfiqar Hasan, who called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan.
"Hasan briefed the Governor about the role being played by the CRPF for internal security management in the state and for the smooth conduct of ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra," an official spokesperson told PTI.
The spokesperson said the Governor lauded the role being played by the force in maintaining security in J&K, and advised heightened surveillance on all fronts.
Another Batch of Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Amarnath Yatra
Another batch of 5,273 pilgrims left from Jammu on Wednesday, 10 July for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, according to news agency IANS.
ITBP Personnel Administer Oxygen to Yatris
ITBP personnel administer oxygen to pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra at 12,000 feet. on Baltal route. More than 100 pilgrims have been administered oxygen till now on the way.
Amarnath Suspended From Jammu Due to Separatist-Sponsored Strike in Kashmir
Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath was suspended for Saturday, 13 July, as a precautionary measure in view of a separatists-sponsored strike in the Kashmir valley on Martyrs' Day, officials said.
"Amarnath yatra has been suspended from Jammu as a precautionary measure in wake of the strike called by separatists in Kashmir valley Saturday," PTI reported quoting an official said.
On 13 July, also known as Martyrs' Day in Kashmir, 1931, 22 people were killed in firing by the forces of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh.
Separatists have called for a shutdown as a mark of respect to those killed in the firing.
14th Batch of 5,210 Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Amarnath
Amid tight security, the 14th batch of 5,210 Amarnath pilgrims left a base camp in Jammu on Monday for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir.
As many as 8,734 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine till Sunday night, thereby taking the total to 1,82,712 pilgrims, who have visited the holy site in the past 11 days.
Over 1.85 lakh pilgrims from across the country have so far registered themselves for the 46-day-long pilgrimage.
The 14th batch comprises 3,711 males, 1,386 females, 19 children and 94 seers, who left in a fleet of 222 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar camp in Jammu on Monday morning for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal, officials said.
For the Pahalgam route, 2,838 pilgrims left the base camp, while 2,372 pilgrims left for Baltal. They are travelling in 123 buses and 99 small vehicles, which were escorted by the CRPF, the officials said.
With this, a total of 71,630 pilgrims had so far left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp since the commencement of the yatra from Jammu on 30 June, a day ahead of the official start of the pilgrimage from the twin tracks – traditional 36-km Pahalgam in Anantnag district and 14-km shorter Baltal in Ganderbal district, the officials said.
15th Batch of 3,967 Pilgrims Leaves Jammu For Amarnath Yatra
The 15th batch of 3,967 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here on Tuesday to pay obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.
The 46-day yatra, which started from the twin routes -- traditional 36-km Pahalgam in Anantnag district and 14-km shorter Baltal in Ganderbal district --on 1 July, is heading to cross the two lakh mark most likely later in the day, they said.
A convoy of 165 vehicles carrying 3,967 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp early Tuesday under tight security arrangements and will be reaching the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps later in the day.
The officials said 2,352 pilgrims, including 455 women, 35 children and 121 seers, are heading for Pahalgam to undertake the yatra from there, while the rest of 1,615 pilgrims, including 485 women and 18 children, are performing the yatra from the Baltal track.
So far 75,597 pilgrims had left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to undertake the yatra under security cover being provided by the state administration.
The yatra is scheduled to end on August 15 coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
Five Pilgrims Injured as Glacier Collapses in Kullu
Five pilgrims were injured as a glacier broke off and collapsed on way to the Shrikhand Mahadev shrine in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Wednesday, 17 July, the police said, according to PTI.
Movement of pilgrims towards the shrine has been temporarily stopped due to collapse of the glacier, the police added.
17th Batch of 4,167 Pilgrims Leaves Jammu
Amid tight security, the 17th batch of 4,167 Amarnath pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Thursday for the cave shrine, officials said, according to PTI.
The pilgrims, comprising of 3,211 males, 790 females, 25 children, 140 seers and one transgender, left in a fleet of 169 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Thursday morning.
Bipin Rawat to Review Security of Amarnath Yatra
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, 19 July to review the security situation in the state amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Army and other security forces have been deployed heavily to provide protection to pilgrims against any terrorist threat.
Over 2.39 Lakh Pilgrims Pay Obeisance at Amarnath Cave Shrine
As many as 6,114 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday.
As many as 3,627 pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for Baltal and Nunwan camps under unprecedented security arrangements for Amaranth Yatra Friday, officials told PTI.
"On the 19th day of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, 6,114 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave," officials said. Till date 2,38,974 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, they added.
Amarnath Pilgrims Shown Kargil Vijay Diwas Movie
Pilgrims enroute Amarnath cave shrine were shown a movie based on Kargil Vijay Diwas by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Domail.
Pilgrims Stopped Due to Bad Weather
The batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims leaving from Jammu base camp, today, has been stopped due to bad weather conditions.
3,031 Devotees Complete Amarnath Yatra
3,031 devotees – 1039 via Baltal axis and 1992 via Pahalgam axis – have completed the pilgrimage to Amarnath as of 29 July.
Amarnath Yatra Suspended till 4 Aug After Forecasts of Heavy Rain
The Amarnath Yatra will remain suspended till 4 August as the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said on Wednesday.
"In view of inclement weather conditions, shooting of stones and landslides particularly in Jammu region, the yatra will remain suspended till August 4, 2019," an SASB spokesperson said.
He said the India Meteorology Department has predicted heavy rainfall for next few days all over Jammu and Kashmir, which may cause landslides and shooting of stones on the Jammu and Srinagar national highway, particularly in the stretch between Ramban and Banihal.
The spokesperson said the track from Baltal and Pahalgam has become slippery due to recent heavy rainfall and the situation is likely to aggravate in the next couple of days.
Cache of Arms Found Along Amarnath Yatra Route
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, the Commander of the 15 Corps, on Friday, 2 August said the threat of improvised explosive devices in the Valley is "more pronounced", but it is being tackled effectively by security forces by conducting regular searches. He said that during searches, a mine with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings was seized.
The forces have also found a huge cache of arms along the Amarnath Yatra route which included a US M-24 sniper rifle and a mine with markings of the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, the Army officer said.
IG Kashmir SP Pani said, “More than 10 serious attempts to trigger IED blasts were made in the Valley, mostly in Pulwama and Shopian areas.”
Leave Valley, Says J&K Govt to Amarnath Pilgrims, Tourists Amid Terror Threat
Soon after a joint press briefing by the army and police on intelligence inputs that there were attempts by Pakistan to disrupt/target the Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday, 2 August issued a security advisory in the interest of yatra pilgrims and tourists.
The government order advised tourists and the yatris to curtail their stay in the Kashmir Valley and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible.
Amarnath Yatra to Continue As Per Schedule Till 15 August: J&K BJP President
However, after the advisory was issued, Ravinder Rana, BJP J&K President said that the Amarnath Yatra would continue till 15 August as per schedule.
“Amarnath Yatra will continue till 15 August as per schedule. Strong security measures have already been taken and there is no atmosphere of fear. All yatris can visit the holy shrine but advisory issued by the home department should be followed,” Rana said, according to ANI.
Captain Amarinder Singh Directs Pathankot District Admin to Make Arrangements for Safe Return of Amarnath Yatris
Punjab CM, Captain Amarinder Singh has directed the Pathankot district administration to make all arrangements to ensure the safe return of Amarnath yatris from Jammu & Kashmir in the wake of the state government’s advisory to curtail their stay in the Kashmir Valley.
All Airlines to Be Ready for Additional Flights To & From Srinagar: DGCA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday said that all airlines will be ready for additional flights to and from Srinagar at short notice to fly out tourists and Amarnath yatris.
Mehbooba Mufti Stopped from Leaving Her House in Kashmir
Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has reportedly been stopped from leaving her house in Kashmir. Mufti reportedly wanted to meet senior NC leader Farooq Abdullah and others to discuss the prevailing situation in the Valley.
Shah Faesal Meets Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Ghani Lone and Other Leaders
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Meets Delegation of Political Leaders
Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on late Friday night met a delegation of political leaders including Mehbooba Mufti, Shah Faesal, Sajjad Lone & Imran Ansari. They had sought to meet the Governor over the developments in the Valley during the day.
Mehbooba, along with leaders of other parties, requested ther Governor to "dispel rumours that have caused a sense of panic in the valley". She said New Delhi seemed to be preparing "to rob" the people of Jammu and Kashmir of "whatever little is left to protect their unique identity", PTI reported.
'Pure Security Measure Being Mixed up with Unrelated Issues': J&K Governor
The delegation of political leaders in the meeting with J&K Governor on late Friday night expressed concerns about "panic situation in Kashmir valley".
The Governor said that "a pure security measure is being mixed up with issues with which it has no connection". He requested the political leaders to ask their supporters not to mix up matters, to maintain calm and not believe exaggerated rumours being circulated.
'No Plans to Abrogate Article 35A of Constitution': J&K Governor
Governor Satya Pal Malik, late on Friday night, met with a delegation of political leaders and reiterated that “there are no plans to abrogate Article 35A of Constitution”, which gives special powers to Jammu and Kashmir.
IAF C-17s to Airlift Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims on J&K Govt Request
The Jammu and Kashmir government has requested the Indian Air Force to airlift the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims out of the Kashmir valley to places such as Jammu, Pathankot or Delhi from where they can go back home.
"A request has been received from the state administration for the IAF to carry the pilgrims out of the Kashmir valley in their C-17 transport. The first such sortie of the C-17s is likely to fly out of the Kashmir valley in a couple of hours," government sources told ANI.
The C-17s are already operating to rush in paramilitary troops from different parts of the country for precautionary deployment in the valley.
Ministry of Civil Aviation Advises Airlines to Rein in Surging Airfare
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised airlines to rein in the surging airfare, for pilgrims returning from Amarnath Yatra.