Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): A tragic incident has been reported from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, where an Amarnath pilgrim went missing after exhibiting unusual behavior due to high-altitude sickness, police said on Saturday.
The missing yatri has been identified as Surinder Pal Arora, a resident of Ludhiana, Punjab. According to the police, Arora was part of a group of seven pilgrims trekking along the Brarimarg to Railpathri route when the incident occurred.
“Around midnight, the pilgrim began showing signs of acute high-altitude sickness, including confusion and disorientation. He started running erratically, took repeated cold-water showers, and eventually jumped over a safety railing near the Z-Morh area, close to a glacier,” said a police official.
Following the incident, a massive search and rescue operation was launched. Teams from J&K Police, Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP), Central Reserve Police (CRP), and Village Health and Guard Services (VHGS) have been deployed.
Drones and thermal imaging equipment are being used to aid the operation in the challenging terrain.
Senior police officials said the area where Arora went missing is rugged and slippery due to recent rains and melting glacier water, making the search especially difficult.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in the search efforts. Teams are working round-the-clock. Our thoughts are with the family of the missing pilgrim,” said a top official supervising the rescue.
This incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with high-altitude pilgrimages, and authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly follow health advisories and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) appear.
The Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees annually, traverses some of the most challenging terrains in the Himalayas. Health and safety protocols are in place, but unpredictable weather and altitude-related illnesses remain significant concerns.
Further updates on the rescue efforts are awaited.(DD)
