Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 9: Former Union Minister and MLA Professor Chaman Lal Gupta has expressed profound grief and shock over the death of about 50 pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji.
Holding the State authorities responsible for such a large number of deaths just in a period of one fortnight since the start of the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji, Gupta said the increasing toll during the yatra indicates that there are many flaws in the arrangements on the part of the Government to ensure safety and proper medical aid to the devotees.
This is a sad situation and it must be looked into to save the precious lives, he added and stressed for an inquiry into the entire episode of mounting toll of deaths.
Pointing out that certain elements in the Valley have been trying to create hurdles in the conduct of the holy yatra for about two decades, the MLA said it is the major duty of the State authorities and also of the Shrine Board to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.