The decision to continue the yatra will be taken after taking stock of all aspects, including the safety of devotees and track clearance
SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 5: In light of the landslide that hit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Katra in Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir, the holy pilgrimage remained suspended for the 11th consecutive day on Friday.
The landslide struck holy Shrine on August 26, leaving 34 persons dead and 20 injured.
Although the weather has improved after a long spell of incessant rains, landslides, and flash floods, the authorities haven’t taken a call regarding resuming the pilgrimage.
“The authorities have taken the decision to keep the yatra in the suspension mode, keeping the safety of pilgrims in mind,” an official said.
The decision to continue the yatra will be taken after taking stock of all aspects, including the safety of devotees and track clearance.
Keeping the pilgrims’ safety in mind, this stands as the longest suspension of Yatra since COVID pandemic .
Earlier, controversy erupted that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) acted with sheer negligence during the weather alert, but the Board’s rebuttal on reports terming them as “Pseudo” de-esclated the conflict.
Shrine Board categorically said, “While expressing deep pain at the unfortunate loss of lives in the catastrophe that hit Katra on August 26, Shrine Board stated the facts are being morphed and mutated in wrong way.”
