Amarnath pilgrimage crosses 2 lakh mark despite lingam furore

Srinagar, July 12 (UNI) Despite threat perception and the Shivlingam controversy, devotees from various parts of the country and abroad are thronging the Amarnath cave shrine to pay obeisance.

The number of pilgrims who undertook the yatra during the past one month crossed the two lakh mark with the pilgrim rush continuing unabated.

Notwithstanding the shivlingam controversy and terror attacks on pilgrims, devotees are thronging the Holy Cave Shrine of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas in South Kashmir.

The average yatri influx during the first 25 days of the pilgrimage was comparatively higher than the corresponding period of last year.

A spokesperson of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said here today that 2,04,178 pilgrims had visited the Holy Shrine till last evening.

Besides undertaking the journey through the shortest Baltal and traditional Pahalgam routes, five helicopters of two service operators are flying in the area and facilitating the visit of pilgrims.

The Amarnath Yatra commenced simultaneously from Pahalgham and Baltal on June 11 and had to be suspended the next day due to bad weather.

However, the yatra resumed again after three days, he said, adding that ever since, the pilgrims influx continues.

He said that unfortunately 27 persons, 22 male and 5 women, died during the pilgrimage so far. Persons with any infirmity should undertake this journey only on horses, 'palkies' or helicopters, the spokesperson advised.

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