Chamba, Sept. 5 -- The Indian Air Force began the rescue operation of the devotees stranded in the Manimahesh Yatra on Thursday morning.

50 pilgrims reached Chamba safely from Bharmour in the first flight of the Air Force's Chinook helicopter. The rescue operations are being conducted under the supervision of Himachal Pradesh minister Jagat Singh Negi. All devotees will be evacuated safely on Friday and will then be sent to their destinations.

The Chamba administration on Thursday began transporting nearly 500 devotees from Bharmour to Chamba by vehicles. At certain stretches, where roads have been damaged, the district administration has deployed adequate security personnel to assist them and ensure their safety. In addition, free food...