Three Punjab youths die during Manimahesh Yatra amid oxygen shortage

PTC Web Desk: Tragedy struck the sacred Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh as three devotees from Punjab lost their lives due to oxygen shortage during the pilgrimage. According to officials, two deaths occurred last night and one this morning. The deceased have been identified as Aman (18) and Rohit (18) from Pathankot, and Anmol (26) from Gurdaspur.

The authorities confirmed that the bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem. Families of Aman and Rohit have already been informed, while the handover of the bodies will be done after post-mortem formalities.

Officials revealed that Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund but succumbed at Gaurikund. Rohit died due to lack of oxygen while trekking on the Kugti track, and Anmol passed away at Dhanchho around 10 am today. Teams from Mountaineering Training and NDRF have been deployed to recover the bodies.

Confirming the incident, SDM Bharmour, Kulbir Singh Rana, said three pilgrims from Punjab died within a span of a few hours.

Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has forced  the authorities to temporarily suspend the Manimahesh Yatra. Devotees have been instructed to halt at safe locations until conditions improve. Landslides triggered by rain have also blocked the Pathankot–Bharmour National Highway, leaving several pilgrims stranded.

This year’s pilgrimage, which officially began on August 16 and is scheduled to conclude on August 31, has been severely disrupted by adverse weather. So far, 14 devotees have lost their lives during the yatra due to oxygen shortage, landslides, and falling rocks.

The authorities have urged devotees to exercise caution and cooperate with safety instructions during the pilgrimage.