JAMMU: No fresh batch of pilgrims today left for Shri Amarnath cave shrine from here due to security reasons, official sources said.
“In view of security scenario against the backdrop of Burhan Wani’s death anniversary, which triggered unrest last year in the valley, no vehicle was allowed to move on the highway both ways,” official sources here said.
They said that no fresh batch of Amarnath pilgrims was also allowed to proceed to the valley.
Self-styled Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter last year on July 8 in Kashmir.
His death sparked violent protests in the entire Valley. “Although all security arrangements are in place, but still sensing trouble in the Valley, pilgrims were not allowed for the yatra,” they said.
However, a senior police official said that apart from security issue, there were directions that fresh batch of yatris would leave from Jammu only after rush was cleared from Baltal to avoid chaos.
“Secondly, the huge trucks carrying train coaches have to move on the highway and there speed limit was 5-10 km per hour,” he said.
“The coaches have to reach Srinagar by evening and it could not have been possible amid routine traffic movement, so vehicles were not allowed today both ways on the highway,” the official added.
The first batch of pilgrims left from Jammu on June 28 and so far, more than 16,000 registered pilgrims had left the base camp.
Over one lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine, so far. (AGENCIES)
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