The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatra has been suspended due to a landslide and heavy rainfall. Thirty people have lost their lives in the landslide near the shrine at Ardhkuwari in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Wednesday that Jammu and Kashmir is still struggling with almost nonexistent communication, as the Union Territory reels from the damage caused by heavy rain.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday termed as "extremely tragic" the landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra district, that killed five people and injured 10 others, and said he had spoken to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
The Chief Minister said he is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with teams on the ground. He also informed that he would travel to Jammu on the first available flight.
Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discuss the release of people of Jammu and Kashmir arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
However, Abdullah emphasised that his government will continue working towards restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. A section of National Conference leaders had expected the Centre to announce the move during the Monsoon Session.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his condolences over the tragic bus accident in Samba, which claimed one life and left many injured. The bus was carrying pilgrims to Vaishno Devi.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that it might be impossible to find anyone alive in the Kishtwar incident, stating that the disaster took place due to cloudburst rather than a breach of glacial lakes.
"There has been a huge loss of life and damage in Kishtwar. A search and rescue operation is being carried out here. A large number of people are still missing. PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are personally monitoring the situation. J&K CM Omar
J-K Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma said rescue teams evacuated injured first and cleared debris, aided by army and disaster forces. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported 55 bodies recovered as rescue continues, prioritising relief and rehabilitation amid challenging conditions.