500 securitymen, yatris

Srinagar, Aug 2 (UNI) More than 500 security personnel, yatris and langer wallas had a narrow escape, when their tents were damaged in shooting stones, triggered by heavy rains tonight near the Amarnath cave shrine.

All the pilgrims are safe and there was no report of any loss of life or injury to anyone.

A spokesman of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Amir Ali told UNI late tonight that more than 50 tents were blown up in strong wind near the holy cave shrine.

He said all the yatris were safe and the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, has directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to proceed towards the cave shrine and help the administration in putting the tents there again.

He has also directed the NDRF to provide other assistance to administration for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, which will come to an end on Rakshabandan Day.

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) spokesman told UNI that heavy rains triggered shooting of stones in the cave shrine area.

He said Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the danger zone was immediately shifted to safer place.

He said more than 550 langer wallas, cooks and pilgrims were also shifted to CRPF camp.

Tents, cooked food and other eatables were lost after tents were washed away.

The pilgrims and others are safe, he said, adding it was heavily raining in the area.

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