Bad weather delays annual pilgrimage in Kashmir

Heavy snow fell Sunday near the icy Amarnath cave shrine and overnight rain caused landslides along the way, officials told PTI.

Pilgrims were stopped barely a few hours after setting off under tight security, amid fears of possible attacks by Islamic militants, officials said.

Authorities expect 500,000 Hindus to take part in this year's two-month event, which has been marred in the past by deadly attacks by separatist groups opposed to Indian rule in divided Kashmir.