The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Amarnath Yatra for pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, officials said. This decision halted any new batches from travelling from Jammu to Kashmir for the day.

So far this year, over 490,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,880 meters. The suspension was part of heightened security measures in the city in light of the anniversary.

On August 5, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the abrogation of Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This led to the creation of two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and the withdrawal of the State’s special status.

The Yatra, which began on June 29, is set to run for 52 days and conclude on August 19.

SRINAGAR — Kashmir is expected to experience a mix of sunny and cloudy conditions with intermittent rain showers over the next few days, according to a weather forecast issued Tuesday by independent weather forecaster Kashmir Weather.

Temperatures across the region are expected to improve, with a slight chance of rain in the morning or late afternoon in Kashmir. The Jammu region is forecast to see a pause in rain by Tuesday night, with overnight showers possible for the next two days.

The weather service warned of a moderate risk of landslides and shooting stones on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

For pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, the forecast predicts a mix of clouds and sun with a possibility of rain showers, but overall dry weather. Temperatures at the holy cave are expected to peak around 20 degrees Celsius and drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night.

SRINAGAR — Deputy Commissioner Anantnag has placed Naib Tehsildar Pahalgam under suspension for leaving the station without prior permission.

"Sh. Ovais Amir, Naib Tehsildar Pahalgam is hereby placed under suspension for leaving the station without permission and sabotaging the ongoing SANJY 2024," reads the order copy issued by District Magistrate Anantnag.

“Meanwhile, Sub Divisional Magistrate Kokernag shall enquire into the matter for non-compliance of the Naib Tehsildar and the suspendee shall remain attached to his office during the period of his suspension,” the order further reads.

SRINAGAR — Pilgrims embarking on the annual Amarnath Yatra can expect generally dry conditions over the next few days, with intermittent chances of rain along the pilgrimage routes, according to the latest weather forecasts.

For the next 24 hours, meteorologists predict minimal rainfall across the region, though brief showers are likely in the afternoon or evening along both paths leading to the Amarnath Holy Cave. Authorities have advised caution due to potential rain spells and the risk of shooting stones or landslides, particularly on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Temperatures at the Amarnath Holy Cave and Sheshnag are expected to range from a daytime high of 17°C to a nighttime low of 7°C. Meanwhile, Chandanwari and Baltal could see daytime temperatures peak at around 25°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 10-12°C.

Looking ahead, the next 48 hours may bring short thundershowers to the region, particularly in the afternoon or evening, with a 40% likelihood of precipitation. However, areas along the Sonamarg and Pahalgam axis are expected to remain mostly dry during this period.

In broader Kashmir, the weather outlook remains stable with no widespread rain anticipated over the next three days. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to increase by 2-3°C, with isolated thundershowers possible later in the day or early morning in some areas.

In the Jammu region, overnight monsoon showers are expected in plains such as Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur districts during the next few days. The likelihood of thundershowers also persists in districts like Poonch (55%), Rajouri (45%), Kishtwar (40%), and Doda (35%) during the late afternoon or evening hours.

Looking further ahead, meteorologists are monitoring the potential for a significant rain spell around July 5-6, with current estimates suggesting a 60% chance of occurrence.

Officials advise travellers and pilgrims to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and exercise caution during their journeys, especially in hilly and mountainous terrains prone to weather-related hazards.

SRINAGAR — DGP R R Swain on Monday said a successful war against militancy is not possible without the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

"Whether it is in hills of Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch or even in Kashmir, J&K Police is taking the lead in information generation or operations."

He added that the Government of India is aware of the important role of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

He also said that for the preparation for the Amarnath Yatra, extensive and meticulous security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of all.

JAMMU — Amid a surcharged religious atmosphere, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4603 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Jammu this morning.

Before flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, LG Manoj Sinha also offered special prayers at the temple.

As per the news agency KNO, the 52-day-long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in southern Kashmir Himalayas will commence from the twin tracks—the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29.

After flagging off the first batch, in a media address, LG Manoj Sinha said, “First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims have departed from Jammu. In the last 3-4 years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the Yatra and this time also J&K administration has done all the necessary arrangements, security has been heightened.”

He sought support from locals in making the Yatra a grand success, adding that "elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage."

He also posted on social media about the ceremony. The post from Office of LG J&K reads, “Flagged off first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. My best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness & prosperity to everyone’s life.”

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have reached Jammu. The first batch will travel in high security in a convoy and reach Pahalgam and Baltal base camp where they will start their Amarnath Yatra.

The pilgrims were seen chanting “Bham Bham Bholey” and dancing in excrement to be part of the first batch of Amarnath Yatra. Among the 4603 pilgrims, 3631 were male, 711 females, 252 Sadhus and nine children. They were travelling in a cavalcade of 231 vehicles.

Meanwhile, the BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, who also accompanied LG at the ceremony said, “We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year also the Yatra will bring happiness and would be a good experience for everyone…like every year. People will get Jammu and Kashmir resident’s love, affection and care. The people from all over the nation will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Whole India and Jammu and Kashmir will fasten its way of the path of development. Like every year, this year also, all the arrangements have been made.”

CCTVs have also been installed on national highways to strengthen security and address traffic-related issues.

The 52-day-long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in the southern Kashmir Himalayas begins on June 29 and will continue till August 19. So far 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Yatra while a large number is expected due to the increased quota of on-the-spot registration.