Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 28: Katra town today observed a partial shutdown in solidarity with the pilgrims who lost their lives in the recent landslide near Adhkwari on the Vaishno Devi track.
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Shops in some areas of Katra remained closed as a mark of respect and solidarity with the deceased pilgrims while several political and social activists took out a protest march criticizing the Shrine Board and holding it responsible for the tragedy.
Former Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma blamed the Shrine Board Chairman, board members and CEO for “incompetence” in allowing the Yatra to continue despite official advisories of possible landslides.
“These are religious mountains and their sanctity should not be disturbed. You have seen what happened in Kedarnath, Machail Mata, and now in Vaishno Devi. The Shrine Board has developed the track in a highly unplanned manner,” he said.
Karan Singh, General Secretary of VHP, accused the Shrine Board of over-commercialization of the pilgrimage. “They are charging for every step of the pilgrimage, even for sitting in the Aarti. I request the Shrine Board not to play with the sanctity of the holy shrine,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some family members of the victims alleged that gold ornaments were stolen from the bodies of those killed in the tragedy.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited the injured at Narayana Hospital today and termed the incident “a matter of serious investigation.” He questioned why the Yatra was allowed despite clear advisories of landslides. “The NC Government stands in full solidarity with the victims, but the Shrine Board does not come under the NC Government. I request the Prime Minister and Home Minister to order an inquiry and punish those responsible,” he said, recalling that a similar tragedy occurred recently in Machail.
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