The Saturday stampede that killed 12 people occurred 'due to a scuffle between two groups of pilgrims', the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said in a statement, emphasising only 35,000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed for the yatra against the normal capacity of 50,000 in view of the pandemic.
Following the Delhi blast, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has increased security measures, including deploying additional personnel and expediting verification processes.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra was temporarily suspended due to a heavy influx of pilgrims during the Chaitra Navratri festival. Over 39,000 devotees visited the shrine, leading to overcrowding and the suspension of the yatra for safety reasons.
Amid chants of 'Jai Mata Di', the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills resumed in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Wednesday, after a suspension of 22 days due to a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and injured 20, officials said.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the fourth day following a landslide that claimed 34 lives. Pilgrims express concerns about safety, while local associations offer support.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration is planning to set up India's best mythological theme park near the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district and has sought investors for the project, officials said.
A massive landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, leaving one pilgrim dead and 10 others injured, officials said.
Two women pilgrims from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh died while a five-year-old girl was grievously injured in a landslide on the new track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Monday, officials said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated international Para-Archer Payal Nag for winning a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series 2026 in Bangkok.
Following the massive fire that spread to several areas, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board requested the Air Force to help douse the fire.
In the first week, there shall be a cap of 2,000 pilgrims each day, of which 1,900 would be from Jammu and Kashmir and the remaining 100 from outside.
The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh told PTI that preliminary information from the scene suggests there was a minor altercation among some young boys, and within seconds, there was a stampede situation.
National para archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a minor athlete. The Fast Track Special Court in Sonipat convicted Vedwan under the POCSO Act, following allegations dating back to April 2023.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, however, denied the charge, saying all necessary arrangements were made in view of the expected rush, while Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh blamed a minor altercation for the 'unfortunate' incident.
Registration for the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage has resumed after a brief suspension due to inclement weather. Devotees express their happiness as the yatra progresses smoothly.
A high-powered probe committee set up by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the site and appealed to the general public to share videos, statements or any other evidence about the incident.
Qualifies for India's able-bodied archery team for Asia Cup
The first female armless world champion in para archery Sheetal Devi makes history again with a spot in the Indian able-bodied junior team for the upcoming Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah.
In a bid to enhance preparedness for disaster management among government officials involved in management of the annual Amarnath Yatra starting July 2, National Disaster Management Authority has planed to conduct a three-day mock drill.
Rakesh started on the backfoot with Ken pulling off a perfect first end shooting 30 out of 30, while the Indian dropped a point.
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