Jammu:12 dead in stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine

In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 12 people were killed and 13 other injured after a stampede occurred at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra  early on Saturday. The stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on the first day of the new year  to pay their obeisanc. officials said that "large groups of devotees reportedly entered the Bhawan without permission slips." 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the incident and announced an ex-gratia for the families of those killed.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2022

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.Jammu and Kashmir 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 stampede and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. "Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured,"

Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022

Congress  leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the incidence. The LG has ordered the high level inquiry into the stampede . The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,