Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu on Article 370 anniversary, security heightened

The annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended from the Jammu base camp on Wednesday (August 5, 2026) as authorities intensified security across Jammu and Kashmir on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. No fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to leave the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the twin base camps of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district, official sources said.

While the administration did not cite a specific reason for the day's suspension, sources indicated that the move was a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing situation. They added that the movement of security convoys on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was also suspended, a practice often adopted when security agencies seek to minimise movement on the strategic route that serves as the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

The suspension coincided with political parties, including the ruling National Conference, the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), observing August 5 as a "Black Day" to mark the seventh anniversary of the Centre's decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370 and reorganise it into two Union territories. The three parties had announced separate protest programmes in Jammu and elsewhere, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and full statehood.

The Amarnath Yatra, one of the country's largest annual pilgrimages, is conducted under elaborate multi-layered security arrangements. Authorities frequently review movement plans based on security assessments and intelligence inputs. The pilgrimage began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. More than 4.60 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the southern Himalayas this year.

The decision to suspend the yatra from Jammu for the day highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and facilitating religious practices in a region that has witnessed decades of political and social tension. The abrogation of Article 370 remains a contentious issue, with supporters citing the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union and the extension of constitutional benefits, while critics argue that it was done without the consent of the state's people and has eroded its autonomy.

Security forces remain on high alert across the region, with additional deployments in sensitive areas. The suspension of the yatra and highway traffic is part of a broader strategy to prevent any potential disruption during the anniversary. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to advisories.

The Amarnath Yatra is a significant annual event, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and abroad. The cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is accessible through two routes, and the administration has made extensive arrangements for the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The suspension is expected to be temporary, with operations likely to resume once the security situation is reassessed.