Jammu, Jan 1: (UNI) At least 12 pilgrims were killed in stampede that happened before dawn on Saturday at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Jammu’s Katra, triggering messages of sympathies including from President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Fourteen people were injured in tragedy, which took place around 2:40 am, following an argument between two groups of pilgrims that led to a lot of shouting and some pushing on a narrow pathway.
The joint team of police, shrine board, para-military forces, health department and administration were carrying out the rescue operation, a senior police official said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy and announced ex-gratia Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs 2 lakh to injured.
Shrine board will bear the cost of treatment of injured, he said.
The inquiry committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu, and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, as members, he added.
In New Delhi, President Kovind said in a message: “Very distressed to know that an unfortunate stampede claimed lives of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery to those injured.”
PM Modi said in his message: “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to JK LG Shri Manoj Sinha, Ministers Dr Jitendra Singh, Nityanand Rai and took stock of the situation.”
He also announced compensation to the next of kin of those who lost their lives.
“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” he tweeted.
MoS, PMO Jitendra Singh has rushed to Katra to take stock of the situation arising out of the tragedy at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He will also have a detailed discussion with the administration and give a report to PM Modi.
Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the shrine board, said, “Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.
“Spoke to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Briefed him about the incident. Prime Minister has assured all the help.”
The LG also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him about the incident.
“The administration is continuously working to treat the injured. I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “The tragedy due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Bhawan is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. My condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed condolence to the victims of Vaishno Devi tragedy incident.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal have expressed condolence to the victims and wished for speedy recovery of injured.
The government has also issued the helpline numbers for enquiries.
Prez, PM express grief over Vaishno Devi tragedy
