3 pilgrims die, toll 16

SRINAGAR: Three Amarnath pilgrims died in the past 24 hours en route to the holy 3,880 metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, taking the death toll in this year's pilgrimage to 17.

A woman pilgrim Sunder Devi, 63, from Rajasthan died at the Baltal base camp due to a cardiac arrest, while a male pilgrim Ajay Malvia, 35, from Madhya Pradesh collapsed while moving towards the base camp, and Dimple Sharma, 52, of Punjab died of a massive heart attack near the Cave shrine, the officials said.

The death toll in this year's Amarnath Yatra has gone up to 17 which includes 13 pilgrims, two 'sevadars' (volunteers) and two security force personnel posted on duty.

The sources said 30 people sustained injuries due to shooting stones and other causes since the pilgrimage began on June 30.

Deaths due to cardiac arrest triggered by lack of oxygen in areas around the cave shrine have been common over the years, prompting the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to issue regular health advisories to the pilgrims.

All pilgrims are required to get fitness certificates before undertaking the pilgrimage.

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