Omar Abdullah lashes out at J&K governor over highway shutdown for security of Amarnath yatris, says 'its height of incompetence'

Hours after former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the arrangements for this year's Amarnath yatra are made to disrupt the lives of Kashmiris thereby hampering the brotherhood, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah lashed out at the administration of governor Satya Pal Malik claiming that it is the 'height of incompetence'.

Taking to Twitter, NC leader said that Governor Malik's administration is the first in 30 years to require closure of national highways for protection of yatris. He claimed it to be laziness and incompetence. He also added that it is not that they are not concerned about the safety of the Yatris. 

READ: Mehbooba Mufti lashes out at Central govt over Amarnath Yatra, says 'this year's arrangements are against Kashmiris'

Mehbooba Mufti on Amarnath Yatra: 

Speaking to media on Sunday in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti said: 

"This yatra is going on since many years . Kashmiris waited for this yatra throughout year.  But unfortunately this year arrangements has been done in a way that it seems it's against Kashmiri people. Kashmiris can't drive. They have to stall. In medical emergency also they have been stalled to pass yatra first. This is not done. They (yatris) are our guests. We welcome them but their arrival cannot be injustice to locals. If govt will create hurdle for the locals then it will hamper the brotherhood. Requesting governor to intervene and don't make it a security matter but consider it as a pilgrimage matter. Main roads should not be stalled for locals is what I say."

Amarnath Yatra:

Amid tight security, the Amarnath yatra was flagged off by SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal and Gandetbal Additional Deputy Commissioner Shafaqat here.Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik's advisor K K Sharma flagged off the first batch of devotees for Amarnath Yatra after performing puja at the Jammu base camp on Sunday. The Amarnath Yatra is conducted every year during Shravani Mela, which starts from July and continues till August. The Yatra takes place from the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The holy cave remains open during this period and it attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.

WATCH: ITBP personnel brave shooting stones in a glacier by placing shield wall to ensure safety of Amarnath Yatris