The suspension of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra today entered the 17th consecutive day from Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir due to landslides along the pilgrimage route.
As many 34 people, mostly pilgrims, were killed and several injured after a landslide was triggered on August 26 due to heavy rains near the Indraprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari.
The Kara trader community has appealed to the Shrine Board to at least come clear on resumption of the yatra as ‘navratras’ are also scheduled to begin from September 22.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has constituted a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the August 26 landslide.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra headed committee, comprising Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, BS Tuti will submit a comprehensive report within two weeks to LG Sinha.