Amarnath yatra resumes despite landslide

Authorities on Saturday allowed Amarnath pilgrims to proceed from Jammu to the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, even as Jammu-Srinagar national highway got blocked at two places due to a landslide in Ramban sector.

After suspension of yatra on Friday in the wake of continued strike in Kashmir Valley, the authorities on Saturday allowed a fresh batch of 4105 pilgrims, including 1034 women and 193 children, to undertake journey from base camp at Bhagwati Nagar around 0615 hours, officials said.

Saturday's batch left in a fleet of 126 vehicles, including 89 buses, under proper escort, they said, adding the motorcade of vehicles have already crossed Batote around 0940 hours and would be stopped at Chanderkote near Ramban as road ahead is blocked.

Heavy rains have triggered landslide at Kela Morh and shooting stones at Panthal, between Ramban and Ramsu area, they said, adding that traffic was suspended from both sides on the highway.

However, Border Roads Organisation has pressed its men and machines to clear the blockades and ensure smooth traffic on the highway, they said.

With Saturday's batch, as many as 27,062 pilgrims from different parts of the country have left from Jammu to hill temple in south Kashmir since the commencement of yatra on June 17. The yatra has been suspended thrice for different reasons since June 17.