Katra, Aug 29, KNT: The pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Trikuta hills remained suspended for the fourth straight day on Friday as fresh rainfall lashed Katra and adjoining areas.
Officials said that the yatra was halted earlier this week due to heavy rains and a landslide along the tracks leading to the shrine, which claimed at least 34 lives. Despite some clearance operations, continuous downpours have made the route unsafe for pilgrims, forcing authorities to continue the suspension.
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Thousands of devotees, who had arrived in Katra with hopes of undertaking the pilgrimage, have been asked to wait until the weather improves. An official from the Shrine Board told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the Board has kept arrangements in place for stranded pilgrims and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the administration and police.
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The suspension of the yatra during the ongoing holy month has left many devotees disappointed, though authorities maintain that safety remains the top priority.
According to the Meteorological Department, more rain is expected in the region over the coming days, which could further delay the resumption of the pilgrimage. [KNT]
