Vaishno Devi Stampede: PM Modi expresses grief, announces 2 lakh ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

PM Modi spoke to Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to apprise himself of the situation.

Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, he tweeted, “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.”

PM Modi has also approved an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

Family members of those who died in the stampede would get Rs 2 lakh whereas those who are injured would get Rs 50,000.

The Prime Minister’s Office informed in a tweet and 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."

12 devotees lost their lives and many were injured when a stampede triggered among devotees after an altercation on the New Year.

According to eyewitnesses, there was a huge rush at the shrine which became uncontrollable after a group of young boys had a heated argument. Those who were injured have been admitted to the hospital.