India bans Muslim gatherings but allows Amarnath yatra in IOK

In occupied Kashmir, the authorities who are taking guidelines directly from New Delhi, are set to allow a Hindu pilgrimage despite rising coronavirus infections and deaths.

Under an order, Indian authorities prohibited all social and religious gatherings but at the same time is allowing a Hindu pilgrimage to a shrine in Amarnath cave at an elevation of 3,888 meters (12,775 feet) in the Phalgam area of south Kashmir which will begin from July 23.

Authorities in the region said the pilgrimage will be undertaken in a “restricted manner” beginning at the end of this month, with 500 Hindu pilgrims allowed per day.

This year the pilgrimage period has been cut short from 42 days to 15, however, critics and health experts in the region warn that people coming from other Indian states hard hit by the virus will carry infections to the region as well.