Landslide on Vaishno Devi Route Halts Yatra; Amit Shah Expresses Condolences
Yatra activities have been halted following a landslide on the Vaishno Devi route in Katra, Jammu. The Indian Army's White Knight Corps reported that army personnel are currently engaged in relief and rescue efforts in the affected areas.
As a result of the landslide, at least 10 people have died and many others have sustained injuries."Three relief teams are engaged in rescue and relief work in Katra and surrounding areas. One team is assisting in rescuing people in Ardhkumwari, Katra," the White Knight Corps stated on X. They also said that the second team has reached the landslide site on the road from Katra to Thakra Kot, while the third team is providing assistance south of Jourian.
Efforts are ongoing to save lives, provide aid to those in need, and evacuate citizens to safe locations, with close coordination maintained with civil agencies.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Rakesh Kumar announced that the Vaishno Devi Yatra and Shivkhodi Yatra have been postponed due to the landslide. "Eight to nine injured people have been rescued, and the rescue operation is still underway," he confirmed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his sorrow over the incident on Instagram, stating, "The accident caused by a landslide due to heavy rains on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Jammu and Kashmir is very sad. I spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ji and Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha ji. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue work to assist the injured, and the NDRF team is also on its way."
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also took to Instagram to express his condolences, stating, "Very sad to hear the news of the death of pilgrims on Mata Vaishno Devi Marg. I express my condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to God that the departed souls rest in peace."
In a subsequent post, he mentioned, "I just spoke to the Union Home Minister over the phone and informed him about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially Jammu province, where continuous heavy rains have caused significant damage and disrupted normal life. Efforts are being made to restore phone and data connectivity as soon as possible."
He added, "Due to the closure of Jammu airport, I and my colleagues could not reach Jammu this evening. I hope to arrive there on the first flight tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, I am closely monitoring the situation and am in constant communication with the teams working on the ground."
Prakash Kumar Pandey