SRINAGAR : Amarnath pilgrims remained stranded for the second day today at Jammu, Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps, as authorities have suspended yatra traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway for security reasons, following strike call by separatists for two more days from today in protest against the killing of civilians in security force firing in the valley yesterday.
However, yesterday the separatist had called for strike in protest against the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander in an encounter with security forces on Friday evening in south Kashmir.
Burhan Wani, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh and two other militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kokernag area of Anantnag district.
All the pilgrims, who had paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas during the past three days have been stopped at Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for security reasons. Similarly those who had arrived at Jammu base camp from different parts of the country, have been stopped there.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S M Sahai said in view of the prevailing situation in the Kashmir yatra was temporarily stopped. He said the yatra from Jammu will be resumed as soon as situation improves.
He said the yatra from Jammu to Srinagar was suspended yesterday as a precautionary measure for security and safety of pilgrims.
“Yatra will be resumed as soon as we can ensure security of the pilgrims,” he added.
All yatris are safe and are being provided all facilities at base camps, officials said.
However, yatra from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps to shrine was going on smoothly.
So far about 1.20 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine since the commencement of 48-day-long pilgrimage from July 2. (AGENCIES)
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