VHP cancels upcoming Budha Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir

Vishva Hindu Parish on Saturday anunced cancellation of upcoming annual Budha Amarnath yatra, citing threat posed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists to pilgrim. 

10-day yatra in Poonch district of Jammu region, organised by VHP, was scheduled to begin on August 6. 

"In view of emerging security situation following recovery of US me sniper rifle and landmine along Amarnath yatra track in Kashmir, we have decided to cancel yatra to Budha Amarnath for safety of pilgrims," State VHP president Leela Karan Sharma told reporters in Jammu. 

annual Amarnath yatra has alrey been suspended due to security reasons. 

Sharma, who was flanked by several or senior leers, including Bajrang Dal national conver Sohan Singh Solanki, said decision to suspend yatra was taken at a general meeting which was convened here to take stock of situation. 

Besides Budha Amarnath, VHP has also decided to suspend Kousar Nag yatra in Kulgam district of south Kashmir and Machail yatra in Kishtwar district, Sharma said.

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"We will t go for any confrontation with government over its decision to suspend Amarnath and Machail yatra... safety of pilgrims is our primary concern and in case anything b happens here, it has serious repercussions across country," Sharma said.

Solanki termed suspension of pilgrims as "unfortunate" and said he h come here to take stock of arrangements for Budha Amarnath yatra which is being undertaken by VHP with a special prayer on August 5 before first darshan at shrine next day. 

"Over 25,000 pilgrims from across country h registered mselves for yatra and have been told to cancel ir plan," he said, ding given recovery of sophisticated weapon along Amarnath yatra route and intelligence input with government that Paksitan-sponsored terrorists are planning "something big", it was decided to cancel all yatras. 

He, however, said VHP international working president Alok Kumar is taking part in a special prayer here on August 5 and "with permission of ministration, a limited number of pilgrims will offer ir prayers at Budha Amarnath shrine next day". 

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