A probe has been ordered into the stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra on Saturday in which 12 people perished and 20 others were wounded.
“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,” said Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha said in a tweet.He also mentioned that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed them about the tragedy.
LG Manoj Sinha also announced ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. “Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured,” he said.
According to reports, the stampede was triggered by heavy rush of devotees on New Year’s Day, at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The stampede happened shortly after midnight near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine.Police launched a rescue operation to evacuate the people. The situation is under control now, authorities said.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 Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital where they are undergoing treatment.Officials told PTI that the condition of four of the injured was stated to be “critical”.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed 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.
PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede, while Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. The relief amount would be released from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
