Amarnath Yatra cancelled due to COVID pandemic

SRINAGAR: The annual Amarnath Yatra would be symbolic only this year, in wake of the COVID pandemic, but all the traditional religious rituals will be performed at the cave shrine as per practice, the J&K government decided on Monday.

A detailed discussion was held with the members of the shrine board on the present COVID-19 situation before the decision.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, held deliberations with Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, DGP, Dilbag Singh, Principal Secretary, Home, Shaleen Kabra, and Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Nitishwar Kumar, who is also the CEO of Shrine Board, and directed that devotees should be enabled to attend the morning and evening aarti in online mode. The meeting was informed that shrine board has put in place virtual and televised mechanism for live telecast of 'aarti' from the holy cave.

"It is important to save people's lives. So, it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year's pilgrimage in the larger public interest. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is aware of and respect the sentiments of millions of devotees, and to keep the sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the live telecast of morning and evening aarti from the Holy Cave shrine," the Lt Governor said. (IANS)

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