Vaishno Devi Temple stampede

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Vaishno Devi Temple stampede
Vaishno.jpg
Vaishno Devi Temple during winter
DateJanuary 1, 2022; 2 months ago (2022-01-01)
TimeMid-night; Between 00:00 to 01:00 IST
LocationVaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Coordinates33°01′48″N 74°56′54″E / 33.0299°N 74.9482°E / 33.0299; 74.9482Coordinates: 33°01′48″N 74°56′54″E / 33.0299°N 74.9482°E / 33.0299; 74.9482
Causealtercation between a group of devotees
Deaths12
Non-fatal injuries16

On 1 January 2022, 12 people were killed and 16 others injured during a stampede near to Gate No. 3 at the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, northern India.[1][2]

Stampede[]

Hundreds of people were packed inside a corridor of the Vaishno Devi Temple to offer prayers shortly after midnight to start the first day of the new year 2022. Outside the temple, the roads leading to it were packed with people, with an eyewitness claiming there was hardly room to walk. Around 2:30 am many recall hearing a large commotion before the stampede.[3]

An eyewitness claimed to have fallen with about two dozen people after watching a large crowd leave the temple and those behind them surged forward, and felt that he was going to die as people continue to move over those who had died.[3] Another recounted that they had fallen due to people pushing them near a pathway at the shrine, with another eyewitness claiming that the crowd suddenly turned aggressive and created a stampede.[4][5]

Investigation[]

The government has launched an investigation into the stampede.[6] A three-member inquiry panel, headed by Principal Secretary Shaleen Jabra was created and tasked with completing a report within a week from the stampede.[7] An announcement was issued to the public, inviting any information or documentation about the stampede be brought forward for investigators via email, phone or Whatsapp message or by appearing before the Enquiry Committee.[8]

Response[]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave condolences for those killed.[6]

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha announced on 2 January that all next of kin of those who died in the stampede would receive an additional ₹5 lakh (US$6,600) ex-gratia for a total compensation of ₹15 lakh (US$20,000).[9]

References[]

  1. ^ "Vaishno Devi Stampede: Scuffle between 2 groups claimed as cause; probe panel to submit report within a week". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  2. ^ Reuters (2022-01-01). "At least 12 killed in stampede at religious shrine in India Kashmir". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
  3. ^ a b Yasir, Sameer (2022-01-01). "At Least 12 Die in Stampede at a Hindu Shrine in Kashmir". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  4. ^ "Vaishno Devi stampede: Homemaker leaves behind two teenagers". The Indian Express. 2022-01-02. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  5. ^ Bhatnagar, Amil (2022-01-02). "Vaishno Devi stampede: 'Finally a cop answered…confirmed worst fears'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2022-01-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ a b "India: At least 12 dead in New Year temple stampede". BBC News. 2022-01-01. Retrieved 2022-01-02.
  7. ^ "On Vaishno Devi Stampede, Notice For Public To Share Information". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  8. ^ "Vaishno Devi stampede: Govt asks people to share facts, electronic evidence". The Siasat Daily. 2022-01-02. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  9. ^ "Vaishno Devi stampede: J-K LG announces additional Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased". The Times of India. January 2, 2022. Retrieved 2022-01-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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