India, Aug. 31 -- The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills remained suspended for the sixth day on Sunday owing to inclement weather, even as a senior government official ordered immediate vacation of commercial establishments including hotels in the vulnerable zones for the safety of the pilgrims, officials said.
The yatra to the revered shrine was suspended on August 26, a couple of hours before a major landslide triggered by heavy rains hit the old route, resulting in the death of 34 pilgrims and injuries to 20 others.
Torrential rains have continued in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine, since early this morning, prompting authorities to inform pilgrims about the suspension of the yatra for the ...