Amit Shah Congratulates Security Forces, J&K Administration for Ensuring Safe Amarnath Yatra
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lauded the efforts of all security forces, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, and voluntary organisations for ensuring that this year’s Amarnath Yatra was conducted in a safe and smooth manner.
The annual pilgrimage began on 3 July and was scheduled to end on 9 August, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. However, due to heavy rainfall and damage to the route, the yatra was curtailed by a week, ending on 3 August.
In a post on X, Shah said that over 4.14 lakh devotees visited the holy cave shrine this year, reflecting the unbroken tradition and deep-rooted faith of Indian culture. “I congratulate all the security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Jammu-Kashmir administration, and voluntary organisations for their contribution in making this pilgrimage safe and smooth. The contribution of all of you in making this holy pilgrimage successful was commendable and unique. May Baba Barfani keep his blessings on everyone,” he wrote.
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of about 3,888 metres in the Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to symbolise Lord Shiva, attracting lakhs of devotees every year.
This year’s pilgrimage, however, faced multiple weather-related disruptions. Heavy rains made the roads unsafe, prompting authorities to suspend the yatra from 3 August for track repairs along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Earlier, on 17 July, the yatra was also halted due to incessant rains at the twin base camps in Kashmir. On 16 July, a woman pilgrim lost her life and three others were injured in a landslide along the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. In another incident, four devotees were swept downhill by a landslide at Railpathri along the Baltal axis.
Following the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, the government deployed the highest-ever security contingent for the yatra. In addition to the existing security presence in the Valley, around 600 extra companies of paramilitary forces were assigned specifically for yatra duties.
