Srinagar: Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has appealed the authorities to cancel the Amarnath Yatra this year in view of spread of coronavirus.
With Jammu and Kashmir witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases, authorities are considering holding Amarnath Yatra only through the shorter Baltal route this year.
The 41-day Yatra was to begin on June 23, but owing to Covid-19, authorities are yet to make an announcement. In April, the UT administration and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board said the Yatra would be cancelled this year. The press note was later withdrawn.
“Kashmiris have always welcomed the Amarnath Yatris but it should be cancelled this year in view of the coronavirus. Kashmir is already vulnerable for COVID-19, if Yatra is allowed, there could be further spread of this infection in the valley,” Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
“If Mosques and other religious places are closed then why Amarnath Yatra can’t be cancelled this year,” he asked.
He also raised questions why Bandipora and Ganderbal were not declared Red Zones. “Is this because Yatris have to go through these places” he asked.
The government has recently said that around 20,000 healthcare professionals and 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were working to contain the spread of coronavirus, and their availability is also to be ascertained for the conduct of the Yatra.
The annual pilgrimage attracts devotees from all over India. The pilgrims have to register with the SASB to take part in the Amarnath Yatra. The SASB organises the travel and security with the help of the government of Jammu to Kashmir.
The Yatra starts from Yatri Bhawan in Jammu and is escorted by CRPF to the base camp at Pahalgam in Anantnag in south Kashmir. The Yatris halt at Pahalgam and then proceed in groups to trek the 48-km route for the darshan of the lingam at Amarnath cave. (KINS)
