Deputy CM Accuses LG Over Vaishno Devi Tragedy, Demands Investigation

Following heavy rainfall and landslides on Tuesday afternoon, which resulted in the tragic loss of life, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has placed blame on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the disaster at Katra. He questioned why the pilgrimage was allowed to continue despite the adverse weather conditions, demanding accountability from the CEO of the Shrine Board and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Choudhary described the incident as a major catastrophe, calling for significant financial aid from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. He directly held the Shrine Board responsible for the incident, asserting that the LG, as the Chairman of the board, should have been aware of the high alert status and halted the pilgrimage accordingly. Furthermore, he expressed outrage, stating that the deaths of the Vaishno Devi pilgrims were not accidental, but rather a result of a criminal conspiracy. He has requested that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah commission a high-level investigation into the roles of LG Manoj Sinha and other officials involved, urging for strict action, including the filing of FIRs.