Amarnath yatra suspended due to rains

Srinagar, Jul 12 :The pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas was today suspended from both the routes in view of inclement weather which also led to the closure of the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

"The yatra has been suspended from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes due to rains which made the track slippery," police said.

No pilgrim would be allowed to move towards the holy cave shrine from either of the base camps till the weather improves.

Heavy rainfalls since early morning triggered landslides at some places along the 300-km Srinagar-Jammu National Highway leading to its blockade.

No traffic, including yatra vehicles, are being allowed to proceed towards the Valley due to blockade of the highway, the police said.

Traffic would be allowed only once the highway is cleared. Till now, 147441 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3880-meter high cave shrine.

PTI