Shimla, Sept. 7 -- Revenue, tribal development, and horticulture minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi who returned to Shimla from Bharmour after completing relief and rescue work, said that 17 people have lost their lives during Manimahesh Yatra this year.

The annual Manimahesh yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is held at an altitude of 4,085 metres, which began on August 16 and was to conclude on August 31, was temporarily suspended on August 25 following rains and landslides.

Dismissing claims of thousands of people's death during the Manimahesh Yatra, Negi, without naming anyone, said, "Only one party (referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party) is expert in lying and spreading rumors in the country. A similar lie was spread b...