India PM Narendra Modi’s office (PMO) announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the 12 pilgrims who died in a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday. The Prime Minister, President Ram Nath Kovind and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were amongst the ones who expressed their condolences. 

“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.

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Meanwhile, PM Modi, on Twitter, said, “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.” 

At least 12 people died and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine triggered by a heavy rush of devotees, officials said. L-G Manoj Sinha ordered an inquiry.

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The stampede occurred around 2:30 AM near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine located atop the Trikuta hills, about 50 km from Jammu.

After talking to PM Modi, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Sinha and Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Nityanand Rai said they will take stock of the situation.

Eight of the deceased were identified as Arun Pratab Singh (30), Dharam Veer Singh (35), Vineet Kumar (38) and Shamta Singh (35) of Uttar Pradesh, Vinay Kumar (24) and Sonu Panday (24) of Delhi, Mamta (38) of Haryana and Desraj Kumar (26) of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said, adding the identities of the rest are yet to be ascertained.

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

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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.” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he was headed to Katra to take stock of the situation.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences over the tragic incident. 

“The tragedy due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Bhawan is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. My condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.