SRINAGAR: The Amarnath Yatra has been cancelled this year in view of the rising Covid-19 cases and deaths in Jammu and Kashmir.
The devotees, however, will be able be watch the live telecast/virtual darshan of the morning and evening aarti.
The decision was taken at a meeting of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board chaired by Lt- Governor Girish Chander Murmu.
The meeting was held through video-conferencing. “Based on the circumstances, the Board decided with a heavy heart that it is not advisable to conduct the Amarnath Yatra this year,” an official spokesperson said. However, keeping in mind the sentiment of millions of devotees, the shrine board will live-telecast the aarti twice a day, the spokesperson said.
"Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided with heavy heart that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year's Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020. The Board is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti, read a release by Raj Bhavan. Further, the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice. Also, the Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the Government," it added.
The traditional rituals shall be carried out as usual.
“The Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the government.” Hearing a PIL challenging the holding of the pilgrimage to the cave shrine in south Kashmir, the J&K High Court had on July 16 directed Board to take a final call in the matter.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition seeking cancellation of the yatra. Owing to the pandemic, religious places in J&K are closed since March 19 and the curbs will continue till July 31. The UT has recorded 14,650 cases and 254 deaths so far.
According to the release, the Board was informed that the arrangements were on track since February 2020, but due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has still continued to keep religious places and places of worship closed for the public. These prohibitions continue till 31st July.
"The Board further discussed that pandemic has put the health administration system to its limit. The spike has been particularly very sharp in July. Health workers and security forces are also getting infected and the focus of entire Medical, Civil and Police Administration at the moment is on containing the local transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The health concerns are so serious that the strain on the health system, along with the diversion in resources to the Yatra, will be immense. This would also unnecessarily put the Yatris at risk of catching the COVID-19," it said.
The Board also deliberated the considered views of the government.
"The Government made reasoned observations supported by facts which suggested that it would not be advisable to conduct Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2020 and it would be advisable to cancel it this year in larger public interest. This would enable the Health, Civil and Police Administrations to focus on the immediate challenges facing them rather than diverting resources, manpower and attention to the conduct of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra," read the release.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking cancellation of this year's Amarnath Yatra and directions to the Centre to provide "live darshan" of the Lord Amarnath to the devotees via the internet and television in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The issue as to whether yatra is held should be left with the local administration. Undoubtedly, any decision arrived at must be based on law and all relevant statutory provisions... As per principles of separation of powers, we leave it to the executive," the top court had said.
The Apex Court said that it is of the view that the decisions to whether the pilgrimage should be permitted and if so the conditions subject to which the safeguard should be observed are matters which fall within the executive domain of the state.
(With PTI Inputs)