Srinagar
In occupied Kashmir, the authorities have withdrawn a press release that said the Amarnath Yatra has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A press note said the pilgrimage scheduled from June 23 to August 3 was cancelled by the Amarnath shrine board during a video conference meeting.
The board, at the meeting, observed that the establishment of langars, camps, medical facilities and clearing snow would not be possible due to the deadly virus, the press note had said.
The press note said with the lockdown already in place, the situation is unpredictable and the safety of the pilgrims is of utmost importance. However, pujas will be conducted with “traditional fervour”, the press release said.
Last year, Amarnath Yatra was cut short after the Indian government repealed the special status of occupied Kashmir and put it under military siege on August 5.—KMS
