The Amarnath Yatra begins on 1st July

• Tobacco banned in the Yatra
• Helmet is mandatory along 2.5 km long ‘high risk route’
• 3 lakhs plus pilgrims registered for the Yatra

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) – Arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on 1st July, are in the final stages. According to an order issued by the Health Department of Jammu & Kashmir on 28th June, the Yatra will be completely tobacco free under the National Tobacco Control Programme. The Amarnath Shrine Board has also made certain rules for the Yatra. As per one rule, it will be mandatory for the pilgrims to wear a helmet along 2.5 km long high risk route. Helmets will also be mandatory for the devotees riding on mules. Helmets will be provided free of charge by the Shrine Board.

1. The first batch of pilgrims will leave from ‘Jammu Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp’ on 30th June.

2. Last year there was a cloudburst and flood near the holy cave. So this time the administration is more vigilant.

3. By 28th June, 3 lakhs plus pilgrims had registered for the Yatra. This number is 10% more than last year’s number.

4. This year no pilgrim will be allowed to stay near the holy cave at night.

5. Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu & Kashmir administration has constructed two hospitals with 100 beds each at Baltal and Chandanwadi. The administration has spent Rs 13 Cr for these state-of-the-art hospitals. ‘Shrine Board’ has deployed 1,700 doctors and other staff members.

(Credit : TV9 Bharatvarsh)

Article 144 (prohibition of assembly) declared to prevent infiltration attempts of Pakistan

Section 144 (prohibition of assembly) has been imposed in Samba, one km from the international border, in view of the repeated infiltration attempts by Pakistan and the security of Amarnath Yatra. Therefore, local villagers and others will have to prove their identity if interrogated.

Editorial Viewpoint

India is the only country in the world where Jihadi terrorism is a threat to the festivals of religious majority.