srinagar July 09 (KNS): Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I), has expressed grief at the loss of lives over the Amarnath cloudburst tragedy on Friday evening. The pilgrimage began after more than two years due to pandemic driven lockdown.
As death toll mounts due to natural calamity, Spokesperson said President and Secretary General , has expressed deep heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls and fast recovery of the people injured . The office bearers of the largest trade body prayed for the safety of all pilgrims en route holy cave.
President and Secretary General KCC&I also lauded the efforts of locals and administration in launching swift rescue operations and safeguarding lives of other pilgrims at the base camp. They urged L.G administration to grant ex-gratia relief for the victim families and free-of-cost treatment for those injured in the incident.
The cloudburst struck yesterday at around 5.30 pm amid heavy rainfall, and tragically as rescue operations are on, 16 people have died, 65 have been injured and 40 people are still missing. The gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food. At this time of grief we share our sympathies with the families who lost their lives and those who were injured in this calamity.(KNS)