Atleast 12 dead, many injured after stampede at Vaishno Devi on 31st late night

Jan. 1: In an unfortunate incident, atleast 12 pilgrims have died and more than 20 others were injured after a stampede at Jammu & Kashmir’s Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at around 2.45 AM on 1 January. The condition of 13 injured was learnt to be critical. As per sources, the stampede occured after an argument broke out and people started pushing each other.  The stampede occurred near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills. A high-level inquiry was ordered in this connection by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha announced a total of Rs 12 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede. Top political leaders including PM Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident.

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