Landslide hits Vaishnodevi route, 3 injured, Yatra suspended

Yatra to Mata Vaishnodevi cave shrine was suspended today in view heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir as three pilgrims, including two women, were injured in landslides triggered by heavy rains in Trikuta hills.
"Keeping in view the safety of pilgrims in the wake of incessant torrential rains and also considering the weather forecast, Yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Katra has been temporarily suspended from 4.00 PM today till further notice," a spokesman of Board said.
The pilgrims, who were on their way to Bhavan for paying obeisance, were hit by a landslide and shooting stones near Adhkuwari on the track this morning, SP Katra, Kulbir Singh, said.

The injured were identified as Raj Kumari (50), Asha Rani (65) and Kalyan Singh (55), he said, adding they belonged to Madhya Pradesh.
Raj Kumar and Asha Rani were referred to Government Medical College Hospital for treatment of fracture in their legs, he said.
Chief Executive Officer Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Mandeep K Bhandari said a close watch was being kept on the weather situation and a decision on resuming the Yatra will be taken accordingly.