Security forces continue rescue and relief for stranded yatris

Baltal (Amarnath base camp), June 12 (UNI) Security forces continued relief and rescue operations for thousands Amarnath pilgrims who were stranded due to inclement weather and heavy snowfall.

The yatra continued to remain suspended for the second day today due to heavy snowfall and rain on the yatra route. About two feet of fresh snowfall was recorded near the holy cave. Incessant rains and snowfall has made the track risky, an official spokesman said.

He said 1400 pilgrims had been safely brought down to Baltal till this afternoon while remaining 600 are lodged near the cave shrine where accommodation, medical help and oxygen was being provided to them by the forces detailed on the route.

A batch of another 100 pilgrims was likely to be moved to Baltal by this evening, he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha who visited the base camp today expressed satisfaction over the swift rescue measures undertaken by the Army, paramilitary and state police personnel.

''But for the timely help of the Security Forces, there could have been casualties,'' the Governor said while appreciating the efforts made by the security forces.

A two-year-old was reunited with his parents after about 24 hours by the army.

In 1996, 243 pilgrims died and hundreds were injured when they were caught in similar situation.

It was because of this incident that the yatra was extended to one-month.

Several upper reaches in Kashmir, particularly areas leading to the holy cave shrine, have recorded heavy snowfall and rains since Saturday night.

Thousands of devotees were stranded at both the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and awaiting clearance from the authorities to proceed to the holy Amarnath cave.

UNI BAS YA ND1904