Vaishnodevi yatra suspended as 5 pilgrims die of cold

Jammu, Mar 12 (UNI) At least five pilgrims died and ten others fell unconscious on their way to the Shri Vaishnodevi cave shrine due to unprecedented heavy rains and cold weather in the area, official sources said.

Meanwhile, the pilgrimage to the shrine on the new track from Indraprasth to Manokamana Bhawan has been halted due to cold conditions and the yatris have advised not to move without umbrellas and raincoats.

Nearly 4,500 pilgrims, returning to the base camp at Katra, have taken shelter in shops and inns along the way. They have been provided blankets by the shrine board, sources said.

The deceased pilgrims have been identified as Mr Saveranvi, 28, son of Mr Ram Phara; Ms Unmaed, 50, wife of Mr Ram Phara (both residents of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, Manoj Kumar, 7, son of Mr Dan Lal and Manoj Kumari, 8, daughter of Mr Kanhiya Lal, both from Kothiya in Gonda district of UP, sources said.

One more pilgrim, Mahadev Mhatre of Mumbai died due to cardiac arrest near Milk Bar in Ban Ganga in the foothills.

Besides these, nine other pilgrims fell unconscious due to the cold and have been hospitalised in various dispensaries, officials said, adding that all were out of danger.'' Rescue teams have also been formed, which are closely working under the advice of Superintendent of Police, Katra, a spokesman of the Board said.

UNI