Jammu and Kashmir government steps up effort to trace medically 'unfit' pilgrims

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Jammu: Concerned over the rising number of deaths of Amarnath pilgrims, the Jammu and Kashmir government's health department has set up special centres at the base camp in Jammu to carry out thorough health check-ups of the yatris.

"We have asked doctors to be strict in health check-up of pilgrims. Those found physically unfit should not be allowed to undertake the yatra to the 3888-mt high cave shrine," Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Madhu Kullar told reporters at the Bagwati Nagar base-camp in Jammu on Tuesday.

"We are concerned about the wellbeing of pilgrims, therefore anyone found unfit would not be permitted to go ahead with the arduous journey," he said.

As many as 83 pilgrims have died, mostly due to cardiac arrest since the commencement of the yatra on June 25, sparking off criticism by Hindu groups which have alleged lack of adequate medical facilities.

Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma visited camps at Nunwan, Sheshnag, Panjtarni, the holy cave and Baltal on Monday and reviewed the medical facilities.

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