Indian authorities said Saturday that at least 12 people were killed and 20 others were injured following a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The Press Trust of India reported quoting government officials that the stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees at the famous Hindu shrine on occasion of the New Year. The shrine is located atop Trikuta hills, which is around 50 km away from Jammu. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha and others expressed their sorrow at the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the families of the dead. The authorities have ordered a high level inquiry into the incident while Modi announced ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede This is the first time a stampede has happened at the shrine. Sources said that an altercation between two groups of devotees at the shrine complex had led to the stampede. About 50,000 people had gathered at the place, which has a capacity of accommodating not more than 20,000 people. Eyewitnesses said that situation aggravated after a few policemen resorted to mild lathicharge to control the situation. Fifteen people had sustained injuries, 13 serious, and were taken to the Narayana Super Speciality Hospital. Two have been discharged following treatment. Eight of the deceased have been identified so far. While one is a local from Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera area in Rajouri district, the others are from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Sinha has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. A three-member team, led by Principal Secretary Home and including the Divisional Commissioner and Additional DGP of Jammu, has been constituted. Sinha, who is also the chairperson of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each for 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, tweeted Modi. Expressing his condolences, Modi said on Saturday: "An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs 50,000." Congress president Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders of the party mourned the deaths in the stampede. "The stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi temple is tragic. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Sonia Gandhi too condoled the deaths in the stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said. He hoped that the government would conduct an inquiry and fix responsibility to ensure such incidents do not recur. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also wished the injured a speedy recovery. — Agencies
