New Delhi: In a precautionary move coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, authorities have stopped the new batches of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu to Kashmir on Monday. Officials confirmed that no fresh groups would be allowed to embark on the pilgrimage today, citing security concerns.
Since the commencement of the yatra on June 29, over 490,000 devotees have visited the revered cave shrine this year. However, the administration has decided to temporarily suspend operations for the day, citing safety amid heightened tensions surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 anniversary.
“The yatra has been halted for the day as a precautionary measure. No fresh batch was allowed from Jammu to Kashmir today,” an officer told news agency PTI.
Meanwhile, the J&K unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will host an ‘Ekatma Mahatsav’ rally today, commemorating five years since the Union Government’s decision to repeal Article 370—an act that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and bifurcated it into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In response to the BJP’s planned celebrations, opposition parties, including the Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have condemned the day as a “black day” in Indian history. Local PDP leaders have organised a protest at Maharaja Hari Singh Park to voice their dissent against the abrogation of Article 370.
In light of recent spikes in terrorist activities in the region, security measures have been increased to avoid any untoward incident. According to the police sources. the Jammu and Kashmir Police have established additional checkposts and increased patrolling in sensitive areas, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor. “Looking at the terrorist activity, we are always alert, be it August 5 or August 15. We cannot say everything regarding our security preparations to the camera. We want to assure everybody that we are not leaving any stone unturned when it comes to security,” ANI quoted SP South Jammu, Ajay Sharma as saying.
Statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveal a troubling trend, with 28 fatalities reported in 11 terror-related incidents and 24 encounters in Jammu up until July 21 this year.
The government asserts that the abrogation of Article 370 was intended to streamline local politics, combat extremism, and enhance tourism and infrastructure. In contrast, critics argue that human rights have been compromised and that while tourism may appear robust, underlying sentiments remain largely opposed to the removal of statehood and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the administration, pilgrims will be allowed to move towards Kashmir on Tuesday as per the routine. The Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29 and will conclude on August 19.