BANIHAL, Jul 19 (Agencies): Hundreds of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims were halted at the Chanderkote Yatri Niwas in Ramban after the annual pilgrimage was suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to adverse weather conditions and the forecast of heavy rainfall.
Officials said the pilgrims were stopped after the 2 p.m. cut-off time on Saturday and were not allowed to proceed towards the Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure.
According to officials, more than 1,000 pilgrims and over 200 tourists were stranded at different locations across Ramban district after the cut-off time. Of these, 914 pilgrims were accommodated at the Chanderkote Yatri Niwas, while the remaining pilgrims were provided shelter at the Lamber Ground langar site in Banihal.
Officials said all necessary arrangements, including accommodation, food, drinking water, medical assistance and other essential facilities, have been made for the stranded pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration suspended the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Sunday due to inclement weather.
Authorities have also restricted the movement of traffic beyond Jammu, Udhampur and Ramban until further orders to ensure the safety of pilgrims and other road users. Officials said traffic towards the Kashmir Valley will resume only after the weather improves and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is declared safe for movement.
Pilgrims have been advised to remain at the designated camps and follow the instructions issued by the administration until the Yatra resumes.