Restrictions imposed on Armarnath devotees, langer wallas

Srinagar, May 13 (UNI) Close on the heels of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) decision not to allow any yatra before June 18 to the holy shrine, the Jammu and Kashmir government has also imposed restrictions on the movement of devotees and langer wallas on Baltal route.

An official spokesman said today that taking cognizance of unauthorized movment of devotees and langer wallas towards the holy cave ahead of scheduled date, District Magistrate, Ganderbal, had imposed restrictions under section 144 for travelling from Sonamarg to Baltal and Baltal to holy cave till further orders.

The SASB had urged the civil administration and police, in particular, not to allow any pilgrim to visit the holy cave shrine before the commencement of the annual pilgrimage from June 18.

Last year, the self-made Shivlingam (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva) at the holy cave shrine melted early after a group of devotees and security personnel entered the main cave and touched the lingam before the official commencement of the pilgrimage and tampered with it.

UNI BAS JT KN1850