Amarnath Yatra resumes from Baltal, Pahalgam routes

The Amarnath Yatra resumed at 10 a.m. Saturday from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes after its temporary suspension, an official said.

A senior police official told IANS in Srinagar Saturday: "After its temporary suspension yesterday (Friday), the Amarnath Yatra was today resumed from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes."

The Yatra was halted Friday following clashes in Baltal after a scuffle between a non-local langar cook and a local Pony operator.

Over 40 people were injured and 300 tents and 10 community Langars were torched in the clashes in Baltal.

Authorities had put up security checkposts at many places along the route to stop Baltal-bound pilgrims after the Amarnath Yatra was suspended Saturday from the Baltal route. The pilgrims have been staying at Manigam transit camp enroute to Baltal and some other places.

The official said: "The situation has returned to normal in Baltal and around 3,000 pilgrims have started the trek towards the Holy Cave at 10 a.m. today from Baltal base camp."

"Around hundred vehicles carrying pilgrims have been allowed to move towards Baltal from Manigam Transit camp in Ganderbal district... Yatra is also proceeding normally from the Pahalgam route," the official added.