Srinagar, July 16: Governor N N Vohra drove to the site of the accident on Sunday. Impressed by the prompt relief provided by a local NGO, Youth Against Evils, Banihal , in rescuing the injured pilgrims, in co-ordination with the district administration, Vohtra sanctioned an amount of Rs 5 lakh for this NGO, for strengthening their humanitarian endeavours.
Vohra, who is Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, immediately flew to Banihal along with B B Vyas, Chief Secretary; S P Vaid, DGP; and Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, to see to the rescue operations being carried out by the District Administration Ramban with the help of Indian Air Force. As per the Governor’s earlier directions to the Chief Secretary, the seriously injured pilgrims were got evacuated to Jammu through IAF helicopters. Governor saw the critically injured Yatris who were airlifted in a M17 helicopter after he arrived at Banihal. He met the doctors and enquired about the medical treatment given to the Yatris before they were airlifted in his presence.
Governor also visited the Banihal Sub-District Hospital where, after discussion with the Chief Secretary and the attending doctors, he directed that the bodies of the 16 dead pilgrims be transported to Jammu from where after embalming and other formalities the dead bodies would be sent by the civil airlines to the home towns of the dead.
Governor expressed his deep grief over this unfortunate incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families of those killed in the incident. On behalf of the Shrine Board he announced relief of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident and; Rs 1 lakh each to those who had suffered injuries.
Lalita Ben’s family gets SASB relief
SASB, has made all arrangements for the mortal remains of Lalita Ben, a Yatri who was injured in the terrorists attack on a Yatra Bus on 10thJuly night and passed away last night, to be sent to her home town, Surat, by air, along with an attendant, Amit Kumar , a resident of Gujarat. As discussed by the Governor a J&K Police official would also accompany the dead body.
It is to be recalled that a Yatri, Lalita Ben (age 55) w/o Bangobin r/o District Valsad, Gujarat, was seriously injured in a terrorist attack in a bus on 10th July 2017 in which 7 Yatris had died on the spot. Out of total 61 Yatris who were travelling in the bus 58 Yatris, including 7 deceased Yatris and all the others including those injured, have already been shifted to Surat by special Indian Air Force air craft on 11th July, 2017. 2 seriously injured Yatris, including Lalita Ben, were admitted in SKIMS Soura on 11th July 2017. Despite being given all medical attention Lalita Ben succumbed to her injuries in the night 15th July, 2017.
Governor has conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. On behalf of the Shrine Board he announced relief of Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.
