Six individuals, including five pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra, sustained injuries in a road accident in Udhampur early Saturday morning. The incident occurred when the vehicle carrying the pilgrims collided with a stationary dumper truck. Officials reported that the vehicle was part of a larger convoy of over 3,600 pilgrims en route from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu to Kashmir, where they intend to offer prayers at the revered holy cave shrine.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the accident took place near Jakhani on the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at approximately 5 a.m. The driver of the pilgrim vehicle reportedly lost control, leading to the collision with the truck that was parked along the roadside. The injured comprise five pilgrims hailing from Uttar Pradesh and the driver, a resident of the Ganderbal district. All individuals who sustained injuries were promptly transported to the Government Medical College in Udhampur for immediate medical attention and are currently undergoing treatment.
Following the accident, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was briefed on the situation. According to an official spokesperson, the Lieutenant Governor engaged in discussions with the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, Minga Sherpa, and relevant medical officials. He issued directives to ensure that the injured pilgrims receive the highest standard of medical care. Lieutenant Governor Sinha shared details of the incident on the social media platform X, stating, “Spoke with the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur and medical officials and inquired about the health condition of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims injured in the road accident near Jakhani, Udhampur, earlier this morning. Five pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and a driver from Ganderbal sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at GMC Udhampur.” He further added, “Senior officials have been directed to ensure all necessary assistance and the best possible medical care are provided for their swift recovery. I pray to Baba Barfani for the safety, well-being and smooth journey of all devotees.”
Officials have also emphasized that security measures remain stringent along the entire stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the designated pilgrimage routes. These robust security arrangements are in place to facilitate the safe and unimpeded movement of the yatris throughout their journey. The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan. The incident, while unfortunate, has not disrupted the overall security posture or the progress of the pilgrimage, with authorities reiterating their commitment to the safety of all participants. The focus remains on providing comprehensive care to the injured and ensuring the continuation of the yatra under secure conditions. The administration’s swift response and the Lieutenant Governor’s direct involvement underscore the importance placed on the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking this significant spiritual journey. The medical teams at GMC Udhampur are reportedly providing dedicated care, with updates on the condition of the injured being closely monitored by district and administrative officials. The resilience of the pilgrimage infrastructure and the preparedness of emergency services were evident in the rapid response to the accident, ensuring that the injured received timely medical intervention. The ongoing efforts are geared towards minimizing any potential impact on the pilgrimage schedule and maintaining the sanctity and safety of the Amarnath Yatra.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.