Katra, Aug. 28 -- Amid shock and sorrow over the death of 34 pilgrims and injuries to about 20 others on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track, the Shrine Board has rejected allegations of negligence, calling the tragedy an "unprecedented cloudburst-triggered landslide" that could not have been anticipated.

In a detailed statement, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) expressed "deep sorrow and pain" at the loss of lives while denying reports that the yatra was allowed to proceed recklessly. "The allegations are false and baseless," the Board asserted.

According to the SMVDSB, weather conditions on the morning of August 26 were clear and conducive for the pilgrimage, with even helicopter services operating normally. The Board sai...