MLA Janak Raj Reaches Out to Stranded Pilgrims, Credits Locals for Stepping In
BHARMAUR, Aug 30:
As the Manimahesh Yatra was thrown into disarray by landslides, cloudbursts and washed-away roads, Bharmour MLA Dr. Janak Raj stepped in to reassure stranded pilgrims and update on the ground situation.
The MLA said that around 15,000 pilgrims have already started their journey back home on foot from Bharmour and adjoining routes.
“The official death toll stands at 11 for now. The situation will become clearer in the coming days, but thankfully, there is no report of any major loss of life beyond this,” he told mediapersons.
Dr. Raj noted that every year during the pilgrimage, around 20–25 devotees face injuries due to the tough terrain, but this year’s scale of natural disaster made the journey more testing.
Praising the spirit of his constituents, the MLA said, “When the administration machinery collapsed under nature’s fury, my people rose to the occasion.
They arranged langars, ran free taxi services, and worked day and night to help devotees of Lord Shiva stranded in Bharmour.”
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the locals of Bharmour for their service, saying he would remain forever indebted to them for standing shoulder to shoulder with the pilgrims in their hour of need.
