Anantnag, July 12: A labourer assisting pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was killed after being struck by a shooting stone near Chandanwari on the traditional Pahalgam route to the cave shrine on Sunday, officials said.
The deceased was identified as Shabir Ahmad Shah, 24, a resident of Cheerward in Mattan area of Anantnag district.
According to officials, Shah was assisting pilgrims at Chandanwari when a boulder dislodged from a hillside and hit him, leaving him critically injured.
He was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries despite the efforts of doctors.
Officials said the body was shifted to Pahalgam Hospital for medico-legal formalities before being handed over to the family.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated proceedings.
Chandanwari, the last motorable point on the 48-kilometre traditional Pahalgam route to the Amarnath cave shrine, is considered vulnerable to shooting stones and landslides, particularly during inclement weather. Authorities have put in place round-the-clock surveillance and other safety measures along the route for the ongoing pilgrimage.
