J&K Government cancels Amarnath Yatra amid COVID-19 outbreak

Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday decided to cancel Amarnath Yatra this year in wake of outbreak of coronavirus in newly carved Union Territory.  decision to cancel Amarnath Yatra was taken during 39th meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board shared by Lieutenant Goverr of Jammu and Kashmir Girish Chandra Murmu who is also chairman of SASB.

During meeting, a threadbare discussion was held on current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic and its likely impact on Yatra.

" Board discussed Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 13.07.2020 in which, decision to conduct Yatra was left to Administration/Government after assessing ground realities prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir. Board was informed that arrangements were on track since February 2020, but due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has still continued to keep religious places and places of worship closed for public. se prohibitions continue till 31st July," an official statement read.

"Pandemic has put health administration system to its limit. spike has been particularly very sharp in July. Health Workers and Security Forces are also getting infected and focus of entire Medical, Civil, and Police Administration at moment is on containing local transmission of COVID-19 pandemic. health concerns are so serious that strain on health system, along with diversion in resources to Yatra, will be immense. This would also unnecessarily put Yatris at risk of catching COVID-19. Board also discussed decision of High court of J&K in Writ Petition ( CM . 3022/2020 in WP(C) PIL 5/2020 in which Court directed SASB to take a final view in light of order of Hon’ble Supreme court dated 13.07.2020 and keeping in view compliance of all healthcare protocols, Standard Operating Protocols tified by Central Government as well as by Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," it added.

official statement added that Board decided with a heavy heart that it is t advisable to hold and conduct this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to anunce cancellation of Yatra 2020. Board is aware of and respects sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep religious sentiments alive, Board shall continue Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of morning and evening Aarti. Furr, traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice. Also, Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by Government.