KATRA: Heavy rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra region on Friday, forcing the suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage for the fourth consecutive day. A recent landslide in the area had killed 34 people and injured 20.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which manages the yatra, had on Tuesday suspended the pilgrimage until further orders. “As the weather conditions are still bad, it has been decided to suspend the yatra keeping in mind the safety of the pilgrims,” an official said.
Katra and Trikuta hills have been receiving heavy rainfall since Friday morning, caused by a cloudburst.
The shrine board denied allegations of ignoring weather advisories and continuing the yatra at the risk of pilgrims’ safety. It said the yatra was suspended on the track on the afternoon of August 26, before the landslide occurred. “The yatra on this track was suspended till 12 noon on August 26 due to the issuance of specific weather advisories,” the board said in a statement on Thursday night.
