Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have suspended the annual Amarnath Yatra for 17 July after the region was lashed by 36 hours of heavy rain and fresh downpours were forecast. The halt applies to pilgrim convoys departing from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps, the two main routes to the 3,880-metre-high Himalayan shrine. Officials said the rainfall has damaged sections of the mountain tracks, necessitating urgent repair and maintenance to ensure the safety of pilgrims and service personnel. Restoration work is under way, and the pilgrimage will remain on hold until weather conditions stabilise and the routes are declared safe.