AGENCIES

The Amarnath Yatra, which was suspended following a cloudburst near the cave shrine, partially resumed today. A fresh batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam. Authorities have also allowed a batch Yatris from Nunwan base camp via Pahalgam route early this morning. Pilgrims are being allowed via Pahalgam route only as of now. The yatra from Baltal route is yet to resume. However, helicopter service will be available from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam yesterday to oversee efforts for the resumption of Amarnath yatra. Mr Sinha also interacted with yatris staying there and reviewed arrangements at healthcare facilities and langars.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are going on as personnel from various agencies are clearing the debris in the hope of finding any survivors. Besides sniffer dogs, the rescuers are also using hand-held thermal imagers and other sophisticated devices to check for any sign of life under the mounds of debris. Army has also pressed heavy machinery into service to restore the track to the holy cave shrine.