Jammu, Sep 11, 2025 : The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for the 17th consecutive day today due to landslides along the pilgrimage route from Katra in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The suspension follows a devastating landslide on August 26 near Indraprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, triggered by heavy rains, which claimed the lives of 34 people, mostly pilgrims, and injured several others.
With the Navratras scheduled to begin from September 22, the Kara trader community has urged the Shrine Board to provide clarity on the resumption of the yatra.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, also Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, constituted a high-level three-member committee led by Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra to investigate the tragedy. The panel includes Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and IGP Jammu BS Tuti, and is expected to submit a detailed report within two weeks.