All Parties Hurriyat Conference has expressed serious concern over environmental threat posed by large-scale Amarnath Yatra in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The 52-day Amarnath Yatra began today and will continue till August 19.

In a statement in Srinagar, APHC spokesman said annual influx of hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims from India severely impacts IIOJK's fragile ecosystem.

He criticized New Delhi for depriving Kashmiri Muslims of their rights including restrictions on performing Friday and Eid prayers, while providing extensive security and facilities to Hindu pilgrims.

The spokesman urged international community to press India to impose strict limits on the duration and scale of the Yatra to protect Kashmir's environment.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led Indian government is acquiring advanced weapons from Israel and Germany to intensify its crackdown on Kashmiris.

On the other hand, violent protests erupted mere in Kathua district, when authorities attempted to demolish a mosque during an anti-encroachment operation.