Amarnath Yatra route to be 'No Flying Zone'

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, J&K’s Home Department has ordered the pilgrimage and declared the entire pilgrimage route a ‘No Flying Zone’.

The directions will remain in force from July 1 to August 10.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department, it stated that in view of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, various security arrangements are being undertaken for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra.

It said that all stakeholders have discussed the prevailing security scenario in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and have proposed additional logistical provisions; and the Ministry of Home Affairs has also advised that the entire route of the Amarnath Yatra may be declared a ‘No Flying Zone’.

The measure has been ordered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who controls the Home Department.

It, however, said these restrictions will not be applicable in the cases of medical evacuation, disaster management, and surveillance by security forces.

“A detailed SOP for such exceptions will be issued subsequently,” it said.

The Amarnath Yatra takes place every year from two routes — the shorter route from Baltal in Ganderbal district and another from Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Authorities are taking extra measures in view of April’s terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.