68 Hindu pilgrims die of exposure

SRINAGAR - Up to 68 Hindu pilgrims died of exposure while trekking to a holy cave in Kashmir, Indian police said yesterday. Officials said some 112,000 Hindus had arrived in Kashmir this year to visit the Amarnafficaye to Nenberate an ice stalagmite believed to be a manifestation of the phallus of the Hindu god Shiva. Police said heavy rain and snow stranded 70,000 pilgrims on the route to the 3,880 metre high cave.