Harbhajan turns counsellor for stranded pilgrims, tourists

, June 18: Cricketer

, who has been stranded in Joshimath, today took the role of a counsellor alongside

personnel as he met a number of pilgrims hit by incessant rains and floods.

The cricketer is staying at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp at Joshimath since the last three days as he too could not reach Hemkund Sahib gurudwara due to inclement weather. The off-spinner today accompanied ITBP officials to the forces' barracks and campuses where stranded pilgrims are being provided food and medicines and talked to them.

"He counselled them (pilgrims and tourists) that all would be well soon and that force personnel and others are trying to bring as much succour as they can. He gave them food and water and spent some time with them," a senior ITBP official said.

The ITBP has deployed close to 600 personnel for relief and rescue operations in the state and has opened up its office and residential buildings for the people to stay. "Our jawans have even emptied their barracks to accommodate the people who are stuck. Every effort is being made to provide food, water and medicines through two private choppers that have been pressed in by the force," the official said.

The force has spread its men to rain-hit areas in Kedarnath, Gaurikund, Govindghat, Pandukeswar, Karnaprayag, Badrinath and Uttarkashi.

PTI