Hoshiarpur man among 2 Manimahesh pilgrims killed after hit by shooting stones

Two pilgrims returning after taking a dip in the Manimahesh Lake were killed on late Sunday after being hit by shooting stones near Sundarasi on the Manimahesh trek route.

The deceased have been identified as Swarn Singh, a resident Hoshiarpur in Punjab, and Shekhar Chander from Thakurdwara in Indora subdivision of Kangra district.

Bharmour SDM Kulbir Singh Rana said that the incident occurred between Gaurikund and Sundrasi, about 9 km from the Hadsar base camp. Rescue teams stationed along the route rushed to the spot after receiving information and carried the bodies down on stretchers.

The bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital, Bharmour, and later handed over to the bereaved family members after a post-mortem.

So far, the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra has witnessed seven fatalities. Of these, three pilgrims lost their lives earlier in separate shooting stone incidents, one died due to breathing difficulties, while three others from Punjab died when their car plunged into the Ravi on the Chamba–Bharmour highway. The yatra began on August 16 coinciding with the festival of Janmashtmi and will conclude on August 31.

Meanwhile, a massive landslide in the Hadsar nullah buried three motorcycles and a scooter parked in the area. No loss of life has been reported as the incident occurred at night. The authorities have advised the devotees to remain alert while trekking to the Manimahesh Lake as the area is prone to the landslides and shooting stones.