Vaishno Devi Stampede: 12 Dead, 13 Injured; PM Modi Declares Rs 2L Ex-Gratia For Victims’ Family
New Year 2022 began with some bad news for India. A stampede took place at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra early today. Around 12 people died in the stampede and 13 were injured in the accident.
The stampede happened at the premises of the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine on Trikuta hills. Currently, security forces including the police are on a rescue operation on the spot. The stampede happened after a massive crowd of devotees came to pay their homage to celebrate the beginning of New Year at Vaishno Devi Bhawan, the officials said.
In a statement, Dr Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, said that 12 people died in the stampede at the Vaishno Devi Bhawan. “12 dead in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Casualties from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and 1 from J&K; more details awaited. Injured being taken to Naraina Hospital after rescue.”
PM Modi and Amit Shah expressed Union Minister Amit Shah expressed their grievance on Twitter. Modi also declared a Rs 2L ex-gratia to the victim’s family who has lost their lives in the accident and Rs 50,000 to those who were 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2022
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PM Sh @narendramodi is personally monitoring and keeping track of the tragic situation arising out of stampede at Mata #VaishnoDevi shrine. PM has conveyed his sympathies to bereaved families and issued instructions to provide all possible medical aid & assistance to the injured.
Advertisement— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 1, 2022
Check the incident site here:
#UPDATE | Visuals from Naraina hospital where injured devotees have been taken for treatment after the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. pic.twitter.com/JIb7ZW8TJB
Advertisement— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2022
A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Home Secretary with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members.
The yatra to the shrine is now paused. The holy cave shrine at the Trikuta hills in Katra is one of the most respected pilgrimage sites of India.
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