At least 12 people killed in stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan near Katra

In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 12 people were killed and about nine injured in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan near Katra this morning. Rescue operations are underway.

J&K DGP Dilbag Singh said that the incident occurred around 2:45 am. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the injured have been admitted to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Hospital for treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Mr. Modi has paid condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister has spoken to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and took stock of the situation.

An ex-gratia of two lakh rupees each from Prime Minister National Relief Fund 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 50 thousand rupees.

Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed grief over the death of people due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. In a tweet, Mr. Shah said, his heart is deeply pained by the tragic accident at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

Mr. Shah has spoken to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha. He said, the administration is working continuously to provide treatment to the injured. He expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed sadness over the tragic incident at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. In a tweet today, Mr. Singh said, the tragedy due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Bhawan is heart-wrenching.

Expressing anguish over the loss of lives due to stampede, Mr. Singh paid condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.