Vaishno Devi yatra suspended due to huge rush of pilgrims

Katra, Jun 22 (UNI) Pressuried by huge rush of pilgrims, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today suspended yatra for a short period from this base town in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources here said.

''Yatra slips are being suspended after every two hours for two hours at katra base camp to contain the pilgrim crowd at the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi,'' an official source told UNI.

Two additional yatra slip counters have been opened to facilitate the pilgrims at Katra, the official said.

Around 35,000-40,000 pilgrims are offering prayers daily at the cave shrine, 13 kms from here on Trikuta Hills.

The pilgrim rush at Katra has increased to the extent that it has become difficult to manage the crowd at the Bhawan.

Many people are forced to spend nights under open sky at Katra bus stand due to unavailability of yatra slips.

Tight security vigil is being maintained to check any untoward incident.

UNI VJ AKJ VC1616