Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) : During Amarnatha Yatra, a woman pilgrim aged 53 years died in a shooting stones incident at Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag, sources said. The incident surfaced on Saturday late night. The deceased was identified as Urmilaben, daughter of Lakshmi Narayan. She was struck by the falling stones between Sangam Top and Lower Cave.
Two others, who were members of the Mountain Rescue Team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, were seriously injured when they tried to rescue the lady yatri, they official sources said. According to officials, the incident took place between Sangam Top and Lower Cave when the lady devotee was trekking toward the holy cave.
The place where the lady yatri was hit was known for its difficult and tough terrain. She was rushed to immediate medical aid but to no avail. The two others injured in the incident were identified as the members of the J and K Mountain Rescue Team - Mohammed Salem and Mohammed Yaseen. Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh expressed grief over the death of the woman pilgrim and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
The two injured police personnel were evacuated to hospital by helicopter on Amarnath Yatra duty. The DGP complimented everyone involved in the quick evacuation after the shooting stones mishap. About 21,400 pilgrims offered prayers at the holy cave on Saturday as part of the annual Amarnath Yatra which began on July 1.
Pilgrims from abroad were also coming forward to take part in the arduous pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave, an abode of Lord Shiva. The 62-day pilgrimage this year will culminate on August 31.
