JOIN USAuthorities said no pilgrim was allowed to proceed towards the holy cave from the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. However, some people were allowed to fly to the cave in helicopters. The yatra was suspended on Thursday following rain and snowfall in the upper reaches of the two routes.
At least 2,90,000 pilgrims have performed the pilgrimage, which started simultaneously from both routes of Pahalgam and Baltal on July 1. Five lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the holy cave during the 54 days of yatra this year.
Pilgrims unfazed
The ongoing unrest, strike and protest in the state have not affected the flow of pilgrims this year. The pilgrims can be seen moving not only in Baltal and Pahalgam but also in Srinagar without any fear.
“We do not see any threat to pilgrims in Kashmir as is being projected outside Kashmir. People here continue to be very cooperative,” said Harish Kumar of Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities said the pilgrimage would resume on Saturday depending on the weather condition.