Yatra resumes from Jammu, Ramban
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 11: After remaining suspended for three consecutive days due to bad weather conditions and extensive damage to a portion of Highway near Ramban, the Amarnath Ji yatra was resumed from here this afternoon while 18,137 pilgrims paid obeisance at cave shrine by this evening.
Officials said 4665 yatris left for twin base camps of Baltal in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and Nunwan -Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s district of Anantnag this afternoon. But these yatris were halted at Chanderkot Yatri Niwas in Ramban district for the night where from they will leave for the twin base camps early tomorrow morning.
Among them, 1597 preferred the shortest Baltal track while 3068 opted for the traditional and longest Nunwan -Pahalgam track.
Chanting ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ and ‘Baba Barfani Ki Jai’, these pilgrims left in cavalcade of 171 vehicles under tight security arrangements.
Officials said, 5,500 pilgrims who were camping at Chanderkot in Ramban district have left for twin base camps this afternoon after the National Highway was restored for vehicular traffic. These pilgrims had reached to their respective base camps by this evening.
With paying of obeisance by 18,137 pilgrims at 3880 metre high Himalayan cave today a total of 1,37,355 pilgrims have paid obeisance at cave shrine during last 11 days of darshan since the 62 day yatra started on July 1.
Reports said the yatra plied normally from both tracks as weather remained dry. However, it rained during last night in the holy cave area.
Among those who performed darshan included 12,459 male, 5028 female, 470 children, 176 Sadhu, one Sadhvi and three transgender.
Meanwhile, two US nationals from California also performed darshan at holy cave and they said that it was a dream of their life. They said that they knew about the holy cave of Lord Shiva over decades back and hence they decided to visit there to perform darshan of Lord and their dream came true today.
Reports said that 22,026 pilgrims were camping at Baltal base camp last night they included those pilgrims who reached the camp after performing darshan at holy cave yesterday.
Reports said one unidentified dead body was found at a langar on holy cave track. But the Yatri had no identity card etc to ascertain his identity.
Continuing to display their act of honesty, the jawans of JKAP 9th bn today returned a purse to a lady pilgrim from Ahmedabad, Gujarat containing over Rs 5000 cash, a golden ring, a wrist watch and important papers. The two cops including ASI Chand Ji and Head Constable Manzoor Ahmed returned the purse to lady. Their action was highly lauded by the pilgrims and Shrine Board authorities.
Few days back, the jawans of JKAP had returned a purse containing Rs 80000 to a pilgrim.
Reports said 5500 pilgrims were camping at Chanderkot Yatri Niwas. This included those who reached there from Jammu as well as some unregistered pilgrims.
These yatris will leave for twin base camps early tomorrow morning.
Reports said 3800 yatris are camping at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar as unabated influx of pilgrims across the country continues. Besides, thousands of pilgrims are putting up in the community halls and lodges across the Jammu city.
Over 2000 pilgrims who crossed the Gateway of J&K at Lakhanpur today were halted in Kathua district and they were taken to different lodgements and community halls by the authorities. Besides, 1271 pilgrims are camping in different lodges and community centers in Samba district. However, the yatris who were stranded in twin districts of Kathua and Samba for last three days were allowed to proceed towards Jammu today, officials said.
Despite the suspension of the yatra for three consecutive days, the pilgrims remained undeterred and optimistic about visiting the Amarnath cave shrine, even if it means waiting for days.
The stranded pilgrims were jubilant today with the opening of the NH and they said that Bholey Baba will not disappoint them as they are optimistic to perform darshan safely at holy cave.
“We are waiting here for last some days and a hope has been generated today after the restoration of National Highway,” said Ramneek Singh, a pilgrim from Bhopal, MP, who is heading a group of 15 pilgrims from the city.
He said “Our group with all probability will leave for cave shrine tomorrow from here as authorities have assured us to send us in tomorrow’s batch”.
Ramneek said they are all praise for the hospitality shown by the people of Jammu and the arrangements made by Shrine Board and administration for pilgrims.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
