UP trying to bring back state residents from Kashmir

The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday stepped up efforts to bring back residents of the state who are stranded in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed officials to ensure the safe return of people who had gone to the hill state. More than 5,000 people from the state, including 2,000 from Lakhimpur Kheri and nearby areas, are reported to be trapped there.

Akhilesh Yadav has directed the resident commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, stationed in New Delhi, to establish contact with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to facilitate the early and safe return of the people.

Many of them had gone to the Vaishno Devi shrine when heavy rain and flash floods occurred.