Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has pointed fingers at Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, holding him accountable for the tragic landslide that claimed the lives of approximately 34 pilgrims on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. The disaster, triggered by a cloudburst on August 26, 2025, struck the Adhkuwari area in the Trikuta hills of Katra, leaving 20 others injured. Choudhary’s remarks, made during a visit to flood-affected areas in Jammu on August 29, have intensified scrutiny on the administration’s handling of the crisis.

Choudhary questioned the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired by the LG, for its failure to halt the yatra despite adverse weather conditions. “The shrine board monitors everything. Why was the yatra not stopped in bad weather? Why weren’t pilgrims stopped at the Durbar?” he demanded, pressing Sinha to explain the oversight. He argued that the LG’s administration, which oversees the shrine board, should have directed the CEO to suspend the pilgrimage to prevent the catastrophe.

The shrine board, however, refuted claims of negligence, stating that the yatra was suspended by noon on August 26 following a specific weather advisory. Despite this, the board has not disclosed detailed casualty figures, adding to the controversy. The landslide’s devastating impact has raised questions about the adequacy of safety measures and the timeliness of the response, with Choudhary accusing the administration of failing to learn from past tragedies.

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The deputy CM also criticized the dual governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to tensions between the LG’s administration and the elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Two governments are running—one chosen by the people, fulfilling its duty, and the other under the LG,” Choudhary remarked. He further noted that Sinha was in poll-bound Bihar during the crisis, questioning his priorities at a time when Jammu and Kashmir needed leadership.

In response to the tragedy, Sinha has formed a three-member inquiry panel, led by the additional chief secretary, to investigate the incident’s causes. The committee is tasked with submitting a report within two weeks. As the region grapples with the aftermath, Choudhary’s call for a unified, elected government underscores the ongoing political friction, while the loss of lives has left the public demanding accountability and stronger safety protocols for one of India’s holiest pilgrimage routes.

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