From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 9: With reports of at least 15 people killed in the sudden cloudburst in Amarnath yatra and over 100 Kannadigas caught in the pilgrim journey, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has promised to take all steps to rescue the people.

Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru on Saturday, the Chief Minister said the initial reports indicated that at least 15 persons have lost their lives.

The State government has taken every possible measure to rescue the Kannadigas from the State who are on Amarnath Yatra, he said indicating that the reports suggested that the Kannadigas are safe.

“There is no report of any untoward incidents related to Kannadigas. We are in contact with the J & K government and union government,’’ he said.

Bommai said: "We have launched a helpline for the purpose. Already about 15-20 Yatris have contacted us seeking help and providing information about their current location.’’

“Rescue operation would be launched immediately to bring them back. Officials of union government, BSF and ITBP are engaged in the rescue operations. The State Chief Secretary is in direct contact with the union government. Those in trouble could contact the helpline so that they could be rescued immediately," Bommai said.

Details of Helpline:

NDRF--011-23438252, 011-23438253

Kashmir Divisional Helpline--0914-2496240

Temple Board Helpline--0194-2313149

Karnataka State Emergency Operations Centre--080-1070, 22340676

The helplines are operational 24X7.