12 dead in stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine, Rs 12 lakh ex gratia declared for victims’ kin

Mangalore Today News Network

Jammu, Jan 01, 2022: At least 12 people were killed and 13 were injured after a stampede occurred at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district early on Saturday, authorities said.

"12 dead, 13 injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by a stampede," news agency ANI quoted J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh as saying.

Eight of the 12 people killed in the incident were identified as 26-year-old Dheeraj Kumar, 35-year-old Shweta Singh, 24-year-old Viney Kumar, 24-year-old Sonu Pandey, 38-year-old Mamata, 35-year-old Dharmveer Singh, 38-year-old Vaneet Kumar and 30-year-old Arun Partap Singh.

In a statement, Dr Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, said the casualties were from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and one from J&K. The injured were taken to Naraina hospital, he said.

The police launched a rescue operation to evacuate the people. The situation is under control now, authorities said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha announced a total of Rs 12 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede.

PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the victims and said Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. The relief amount would be released from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Later in a tweet, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha said ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede and announced Rs 2 lakh to those injured. "Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured," he said in a tweet.

Top political leaders including PM Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident.

PM Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible medical aid and assistance to the injured.

"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 @manojsinha_ Ji, Ministers Shri @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @nityanandraibjp Ji and took stock of the situation," PM Modi said in a tweet.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha tweeted, "Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured."

In another tweet, Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to "Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji" and "briefed him about the incident".

"A high level inquiry has been ordered into today’s stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members," Manoj Sinha said.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah said, "Deeply pained by the tragic accident at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. I have spoken to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha ji. The administration is working to provide treatment for the injured. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident."

Rajnath Singh also 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."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the incident. He said, "The stampede at Mata Vaishnodevi temple is sad. My condolences to the families of the deceased. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery."

"My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the mother for the speedy recovery of the injured," Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.

Courtesy:India Today