Sunil Chadha
Chamba: A video depicting Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi being confronted by the public has gone viral, triggering widespread criticism over alleged shortcomings in arrangements for the Manimahesh Yatra, a sacred trek severely impacted by monsoon devastation.
The incident reportedly took place in Chamba district where Jagat Singh Negi faced public ire over claims that the Deputy Commissioner (DC) had failed to ensure adequate preparation amid the crisis.
This backlash comes as the state grapples with mounting challenges due to relentless rainfall and landslides, with thousands of pilgrims stranded, road infrastructure damaged and connectivity disrupted.
While official statements affirm that nearly 3,000 pilgrims were evacuated swiftly and communication systems partially restored, the confrontation underscores rising public frustration.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena said, “All pilgrims in Chamba are safe and evacuation efforts are underway.”
The video appears to capture the culmination of frustration among locals, who argued that despite dire conditions, timely and transparent planning should have been prioritised.
Opposition MLAs, including those in the state Assembly, have echoed these sentiments, urging the government to declare the crisis a national calamity and expedite relief measures.
Minister Negi’s response, during the same session, emphasised continuous efforts to restore road access and maintain relief operations, also dismissing some claims of widespread marooned pilgrims as exaggerated.
