Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 19: After yesterday’s mob violence at base camp in which 10 langars and about 100 tents were set ablaze by frenzy mob total normalcy and order was restored at Baltal today
According to an official spokesman, the total normalcy was restored at Baltal and yatra tracks today. The yatris proceeded for the darshan of holy cave smoothly early this morning.
The spokesman said that hectic parlays were held by senior officers of administration and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), CRPF and police officers, representatives of langars and pony wallas during the day at Baltal to defuse the tension.
CEO, SASB, Rakesh Kumar along with Deputy CEO and other officers of Shrine Board were camping at Baltal for entire day to see that the normalcy is fully restored and yatra proceeds smoothly, the spokesman added.
He said the CEO left late in the evening to Srinagar after ensuring that normalcy has been restored at base camp of Baltal. The CEO sought cooperation of all in restoring order and allowing smooth movement of yatra.
The spokesman said that yatra also proceeded smoothly via Pahalgam-Chandanwari track.
He said to clear the rush of yatris at Baltal today the movement of pilgrims was allowed up to 2pm while it is closed at 10 am during normal days.
Terming the yesterday’s incidents as unfortunate the spokesman said that some rumor mongers created problem saying the pony walla died of stabbing which was totally wrong.
He said the situation was brought under control late yesterday evening itself and all the yatris were allowed to leave for Srinagar late in the night.
He denied that there was any problem of langars for yatris saying that all outside langars up to Dumel are safe and intact. Only langars at Baltal were torched.
He said 2000 pilgrims also reached Baltal today for their onwards sojourn to holy cave while 7,189 pilgrims performed darshan in cave shrine today. With this total number of 2,83, 762 pilgrims paid obeisance at holy cave since the 45 day long yatra started on June 28 from Baltal track.
He said all the yatris who reached Baltal up to 2 pm were allowed to leave for holy cave to have darshan of Ice Lingam.
However, some pilgrims alleged that they are being fleeced by the shopkeepers and other vendors at Baltal and the eatables are sold on exorbitant rates after the torching of langars there. They said this is a deliberate attempt to discourage yatra.
Sumit Sharma, a yatri from Jammu said that no arrangements for the security of yatris were made enroute up to Srinagar yesterday despite mob violence at Baltal.
There were no security arrangements enroute and no cop was manning the Highway from Baltal to Srinagar, he said, adding the yatris were at the mercy of God.
Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 1389 pilgrims left for holy cave from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here today under tight security. All the yatris had reached their respective destinations in Kashmir Valley where from they will leave for holy cave early tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Subrata Saha today visited Baltal, Domel and Pahalgam to review the security situation pertaining to yatra.
After assessing the situation on ground, Lt Gen Saha expressed confidence on the security arrangements in place and hoped that such an incident would not get repeated. He further said that the Army is committed to provide environmental security to people and pilgrims during the Amarnath yatra.
A Defence Ministry spokesperson said Lt Gen Saha was briefed by the Sector Commanders, Brigadier Kular and Brigadier Sood in charge of both the routes, on the security environment.
Consequent to the violent altercation between bhandara wallas, tent and pony owners yesterday, locals and innocent yatris approached the Army, who were deployed in close vicinity for assistance, he said.
The spokesperson said the Army responded immediately on humanitarian grounds and moved the stranded people to its camps.
In Domel approximately 1,500 and in Sonamarg 250 yatris were accommodated and provided shelter, food and other essential administrative needs, he said, adding, their safety and comfort was ensured.
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