'Many pilgrims from AP still stranded in Uttarakhand'

Highlighting the need to speed up relief and rescue operations in Uttarakhand, former Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Sunday said a large number of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh were still stranded in different parts of the hill state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the BJP national vice-president said Congress-ruled Uttarakhand government has failed to provide even drinking water to the affected pilgrims and the rescue and relief operation by both Central and state governments was moving at a slow pace.

He demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each bereaved family.