Landslide hits old track to Vaishno Devi shrine in JK’s Reasi; 6 pilgrims injured

Jammu: At least six pilgrims were injured after a landslide hit the old route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Monday, reports said.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall in Katra — the base camp for the pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine — occurred around 8:50am near Gulshan Ka Langar, close to Banganga, where pony riders commonly assemble.

Following the incident, rescue teams promptly launched an operation and managed to pull out and shift the injured pilgrims to a nearby hospital, officials added.

BMO Katra Hospital Dr Rashpaul Bansotra confirmed six persons injured in the landslide were brought to the hospital and their condition is stable, local news agency KNO reported.

Rescue operation is still underway to clear the debris and ensure safety of other pilgrims in the vicinity. Authorities have advised pilgrims to exercise caution and avoid the affected old track until further notice