The Amarnath Yatra has been cancelled by the Jammu and Kashmir government in light of the coronavirus outbreak and speculations regarding the early commencement of the third wave. The Yatra was cancelled last year as well due to the pandemic.
Devotees will, however, be allowed to have an online darshan beginning June 28. On August 22, Shri Amarnath Chhadi Mubarak will be carried to the cave. According to a tweet from the office of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, “Shri Amarnathji Yatra cancelled in wake of Covid-19 Pandemic. Decision after threadbare discussion with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board members. Yatra to be symbolic only. However, all the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the Holy Cave Shrine as per past practice.”
“It’s important to save people’s lives. So, it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s pilgrimage in the larger public interest,” read the tweet thread.
LG Manoj Sinha attended a meeting organized by Union Home Minister. Before this declaration, Amit Shah assesses the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as development measures.
The conference was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, top security and intelligence officials from the federal govt, as well as officials from the J&K administration. According to sources, the Home Minister was briefed on the present security situation in J&K, as well as the security measures in place, and the situation along the international boundary with Pakistan.
