Vaishno Devi yatra resumes as fire in Trikuta Hills partially in control

Jammu, May 24: The pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine resumed on Thursday after remaining suspended briefly since Wednesday afternoon as fire broke out in the forests of Trikuta Hills.

"The fire has been partially controlled but men and machine are on job," police sources here said.

They said that fire fighters, employees of the Shrine Board, Forest Department, Police and Para military forces jointly participated in the exercise of dousing the flames.

"Two IAF helicopters and Army choppers were also pressed into service to control the fire and preventing it from spreading," they added.

Around 25,000 pilgrims, who had reached at Katra base camp from different parts of the country to perform darshan of natural pindies, remained stranded for a night due to suspension of yatra.

However, the yatries around 7500, were also stuck up at Bhawan after paying obeisance at the cave shrine due to fire.

"The yatra has also resumed from Katra while those at Bhawan have also been allowed to trek towards Katra base camp," said an official.

He said that smoke has gripped the forests of Trikuta Hills but the men from various departments are on job to completely control the fire.