SABLO slams abrupt pre-closure of Amarnath Yatra 2025, terms It a ‘post-2019 disturbing trend’
Ludhiana, Aug 08: The Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation (SABLO) has strongly criticised what it called the “arbitrary and abrupt” pre-closure of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 — nearly 10 to 11 days before its officially notified closing date on Shravan Purnima.
This is the third or fourth consecutive year of such early closure since 2019, excluding the two pandemic years when the Yatra was suspended entirely.
Calling the practice “unheard of” before 2019, SABLO said it has caused resentment among devotees and service providers. “Year after year, legitimate expectations of pilgrims are being shattered,” the organisation said.
SABLO questioned the official justifications of “bad weather,” “track damage,” or “security concerns,” calling them repetitive and lacking transparency. It noted that Sewadars, Bhandara materials, and the Chhari Mubarak procession continue to move along the same routes deemed unsafe for pilgrims, while motorable roads, machinery, and vehicles remain operational.
It further rejected the security argument, pointing out that paramilitary forces remain deployed until the scheduled conclusion of the Yatra.
The organisation accused the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) of failing to repair damaged tracks on a “war footing,” despite having both the resources and experience to do so. “Instead of resolution, closure has become the only solution,” the statement said.
SABLO said the decision has inflicted massive financial, logistical, and spiritual losses. Pilgrims have been left with wasted bookings and the loss of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer prayers on Shravan Purnima. Bhandara organisers face wasted food stocks and dismantling costs, while ponywallas, palkiwallas, porters, and vendors have lost their seasonal income.
The organisation termed the move a violation of spiritual rights and customs, noting that lakhs of devotees plan their pilgrimage well in advance, completing biometric registration and health formalities based on the officially announced schedule.
SABLO has urged the authorities to honour the official Yatra schedule and not resort to early closure except in exceptional emergencies. It has sought:
1. A detailed written explanation for the premature stoppage of Yatra 2025.
2. A transparent, verifiable system for citing and sharing weather, track, and security reports publicly.
3. A firm commitment to allow the Yatra till Shravan Purnima unless unavoidable emergencies arise.
4. A policy mandating a minimum 15 days’ prior public notice for any proposed closure.
5. Evidence-based justification for closures — with proof placed in the public domain — only if security forces are officially withdrawn or weather/track damage is beyond repair.
6. Financial compensation of at least ₹10,000 for each registered pilgrim deprived of Darshan due to premature closure.
7. An unconditional apology from SASB officials for the early closure.
8. Financial compensation of ₹5 lakh for each Bhandara organisation and ₹10,000 for other affected stakeholders, including ponywallas, palkiwallas, porters, and camping agencies.
SABLO has also called for a remedial mechanism to compensate all pilgrims, Bhandara organisers, and service providers for losses caused by abrupt closures in future.
