Vaishno Devi stampede Live updates: Yatra resumes; Centre, J&K announce ex-gratia

J&K stampede Live updates, Vaishno Devi stampede Live updates: Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh today said that at least 12 people died while 13 were injured in the stampede that broke out around 3 am at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred after an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by the stampede. A heavy rush of devotees aided in the worsening of the situation. Union Minister Jitendera Singh has rushed to Katra while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation. President Ram Nath Kovind had also expressed his grief on the incident. PM Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and said he had spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Nityanand Rai to take stock of the situation.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “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.” J&K LG Manoj Sinha has ordered a probe into the stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members. The stampede occurred in the early hours today near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills, about 50 km from Jammu. The stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees who have come to pay their obeisance to mark the beginning of the New Year, officials said. Devotees usually trek to the hilltop shrine from the Katra base camp, a distance of nearly 13 km, while some reach there by helicopter.