In Jammu and Kashmir, 12 people were killed in a stampede today early morning at Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra amid the fervor of the new year. While more than 26 people were injured in this incident. After the incident, the office of the Lieutenant Governor and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board have issued helpline numbers for the families of the victims.
According to officials, on the occasion of the beginning of the new year, devotees had come in large numbers to have darshan. Meanwhile, a stampede broke out. Officials said several people were found dead and their bodies were sent to the hospital for identification and other legal formalities. The injured have been admitted to other hospitals including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayan Superspeciality Hospital. The condition of several injured is said to be ‘critical’.
Dr Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer of Katra Community Health Center in Jammu and Kashmir, said, 12 people have died due to stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and the injured have been admitted to Narayana Hospital. He said that the dead include people from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Waiting to get more information in the matter. Also the journey has been stopped.
On behalf of the PMO, it has been told by tweeting that the family of each person who lost his life in the stampede will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Extremely saddened by the death of people in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. The injured get well soon. Spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha, Ministers Jitendra Singh and Nityanand Rai and took stock of the situation.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh tweeted, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the tragic situation arising out of the stampede incident at Mata Vaishno Devi temple. The PM issued instructions to provide all possible medical help and assistance to the injured.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s office tweeted, “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede and Rs 2 lakh to the injured.”
The cost of treatment of the injured will be borne by the Shrine Board. Spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. informed them about the incident. Prime Minister has assured all possible help. Deeply saddened by the loss of life due to stampede in Mata Vaishno Devi temple. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said, 12 people have died and 13 people have been injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident took place at 2:45 am and as per initial reports there was an argument over something, as a result of which people pushed each other and then a stampede broke out.
