IAF's helicopters deployed to rescue stranded Amarnath pilgrims

File photo

New Delhi: Three Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters were deployed on Friday to rescue stranded Amarnath pilgrims.

The pilgrims were taken from Panjtarni to Baltal as the choppers made several sorties to bring them to safety. The use of IAF helicopters were as per the direction given by Governor NN Vohra to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, according to news agency ANI.

The Amarnath Yatra resumed on the Pahalgam route earlier the day. On Wednesday, the yatra was suspended on this and Baltal route due to landslides.

While the Baltal route remains shut for now, it may be opened provided the weather becomes conducive. According to police officials, three pilgrims have died and four others have been injured in a landslide-related incident on Tuesday which has made authorities even more cautious. The overall death toll in the pilgrimage to the 3880-metre high shrine has reached 12.