Jammu and Kashmir Pilgrimages Suspended for Third Day as Heavy Rain Triggers Mudslides

JAMMU: Pilgrimages to the cave shrines of Shri Amarnath, Mata Vaishnodevi, Shiv Khori, and Sarthal Devi in Jammu and Kashmir have been suspended for the third consecutive day on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. Officials have advised pilgrims to remain at base camps and lodging centres until conditions improve.

In Udhampur district, heavy rain caused mudslides at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Authorities diverted traffic as a precautionary measure to ensure safety. The Rajouri administration issued a flood advisory for vulnerable areas and urged residents to evacuate as a precaution.

Meanwhile, police in Poonch, in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continued search and rescue operations for the third day in Surankote, the region worst affected by the downpour. Rescue teams are working to assist those stranded and assess the damage.

Schools across the affected areas have been closed until July 22, as per official orders.

Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to suspend political activities and focus on relief and rehabilitation for those hit by natural calamities in Poonch, Rajouri, and other parts of the union territory. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP office in Jammu, Sharma said, 'We urge the government to stand with the people in their hour of crisis and provide them with required relief.' His comments appeared to refer to the National Conference's scheduled protest in Delhi on July 20 demanding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.