SRINAGAR, July 19: Fasting, ice baths and high altitude are killing Hindu pilgrims en route to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, a report by doctors said on Thursday.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims trek through treacherous mountains in revolt-torn Kashmir, along icy streams, glacier-fed lakes and frozen passes, to reach the Amarnath cave, located at an altitude of 3,800 metres (12,700 feet)
Three more pilgrims have died, taking the death toll in the ongoing yatra to 88, officials added.
“Most of deceased had come ill prepared … most of them believed in a dip in ice cold water before Darshan; most believed in fasting for 3 days before having darshan,” According to the Doctor’s report.
The doctor’s report said these things caused Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which is especially fatal for diabetics who take their anti-diabetic medicines while keeping fast.
It said that registered medical practitioners from outside the state have issued fake Medical Certificates to medically unfit pilgrims.
Governor N. N. Vohra, who is chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board urged all the intending pilgrims to take all required precautions and cautioned that no person who has a serious medical ailment or any breathing, chest or heart problems should think of undertaking this arduous Yatra.
He emphasized that every Yatri or pilgrim, even those in good physical condition, must carry medicines in case they are advised to take any by their physicians.
The governor also appealed to all pilgrims to report to the nearest located Medical Aid Centre in the Yatra area if they felt unwell or suffered from any kind of uneasiness.
