The stampede occurs around 2.30 am near Gate 3 outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine

At least 12 people died and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir triggered by a heavy rush of devotees, officials said on Saturday, as L-G Manoj Sinha ordered an inquiry. A three-member panel has been asked to submit its report to the Jammu and Kashmir government within a week.

The stampede occurred around 2.30 am near Gate 3 outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine located atop the Trikuta hills, about 50 km from Jammu.

Senior officials present at the scene said 12 people died in the stampede and their bodies had been taken to a hospital in the Katra base camp.

Fifteen injured were undergoing treatment at the Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspecialty Hospital, and the condition of two of them was stated to be critical. Some were discharged after first-aid, they added.

Aditya Sharma, a pilgrim, said there was a heavy rush of devotees and some people who were sleeping on the floor got crushed.

The deceased were identified as Arun Pratab Singh (30), Dharam Veer Singh (35), Vineet Kumar (38), Shewata Singh (35), Mohinder Gour (26), Narinder Kashap (40) and Monu Sharma (32) of Uttar Pradesh, Vinay Kumar (24), Sonu Panday (24) and Akash Kumar (29) of Delhi, Mamta (38) of Haryana and Desraj Kumar (26) of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.

They said the shrine was open, and as per last reports, devotees were paying obeisance.

Condolences poured in from all quarters with Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Sinha and Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Nityanand Rai to take stock of the situation.

"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," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced an ex gratia grant for the victims.

"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: PM @narendramodi," the PMO tweeted.

In a series of tweets, the office of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said, "Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured."

"Spoke to Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. 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," Sinha said.

"Spoke to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Briefed him about the incident. Hon'ble Prime Minister has assured all the help. 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," he added.

President Ram Nath Kovind said he was distressed to know about the stampede and offered condolences to the bereaved families. "I wish speedy recovery to those injured," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was deeply pained by the tragic accident.

"Deeply pained by the tragic accident at Mata Vaishno Devi temple. In this regard, I have spoken to Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha. The administration is working continuously to provide treatment to the injured. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "The stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi temple is tragic. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased."

Political parties in Kashmir, including the National Conference and the People’s Conference, expressed grief over the incident.

The PDP said such “mismanagement” has been unheard of in recent times. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones and pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” it said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh took stock of the situation at Katra.

Officials at the spot said the incident was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees who came to pay their obeisance to mark the beginning of the New Year.

Devotees usually trek to the hilltop shrine from the Katra base camp, a distance of nearly 13 km, while some reach there by helicopter. PTI

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 1st Jan , 2022