Ranchi, June 15: Jharkhand health minister Irfan Ansari known for his controversial statements has expressed profound sorrow over the recent helicopter accident near Kedarnath that claimed the lives of seven pilgrims, including a young child.
Calling the tragedy heartbreaking, Ansari a Congress lawmaker questioned the accountability for the loss of lives and criticized the Modi government for failing to ensure the safety of citizens.
He demanded the immediate resignation of the Union Civil Aviation Minister and called for a ban on flights of single-engine helicopters.
Speaking on the incident that occurred between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan, Ansari said the crash shook his soul and raised concerns over repeated accidents during the annual Kedarnath pilgrimage. He questioned the central government’s negligence toward pilgrim safety and urged stricter regulations on helicopter operations in pilgrimage zones. “Pilgrims are not ordinary travellers; they symbolize faith. Who is responsible for their safety? Why is the government remaining a silent spectator?” he asked.
Highlighting that millions visit Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar annually without such incidents, Ansari blamed the government’s failure for recurring tragedies at Kedarnath and warned that the public will seek answers.
