Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 9: Amarnath pilgrimage has been stalled due to heavy rainfall and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir region. Pilgrims of Dakshina Kannada are stuck in a camp halfway on their way to the shrine. However, they have stated that they are safe and being well taken care off by the military personnel. 

The 20-member team of Dakshina Kannada which has embarked on Amarnath pilgrimage is in the Mir Bazaar military camp, which is situated 50 km from Pehalgam. The group of 20 pilgrims, led by Santosh Maruthi Nagar from Narikombu in Bantwala, along with 8 from Adyaru, 1 from Puttur, 1 from Udupi, 1 from Moodbidri, 3 from Sajipa, and 1 from Uppinangadi Karaya, have reached the Palgam base camp as instructed by army officers. According to Santosh from Narikombu village, they were at the army camp this afternoon, and their journey will resume on Monday, July 10.

Lone pilgrim Abhilash

Shekhar Adyarpadavu, one of the team members said, “There are more than 2,000 people in the camp. There are also people who have already got darshan of Amarnath. We were to reach Pahalgam by Sunday. We had a pass to continue on our journey from there on Sunday. But now permission has been  denied due to inclement weather conditions and the unfavourable weather forecast. Military personnel are providing food and blankets. There is no issue at all.”

'I am safe',  messages lone pilgrim

With landslides occurring across Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rains, news is spreading that the 20 people from D.K. district who went on the Amarnath Yatra are safe. One individual, who undertook the pilgrimage alone and encountered no problems, has sent a video message. Abhilash, a resident of Bolantoor, recorded the video, confirming his safety at Purani Mandi Ashram.

In the message, Abhilash mentioned his plan to visit the Amarnath temple, which is 280 km from the ashram where he is staying. He assured that he will return as soon as the military permits him to proceed. Abhilash expressed gratitude for the camp's provision of free food and accommodation, emphasizing that he and the other pilgrims who joined him from various locations are safe and secure.

DC Mullai Mugilan said, “District administration does not have any information with regards to the pilgrims who have embarked on the Amarnath pilgrimage from Dakshina Kannada district. A helpline has been opened at state-level and all information is gathered from there and arrangements are being done. If anyone is in danger they or their family members can contact the district administration.”

(With inputs from Monesh Vishwakarama)