Stampede in the Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu claims twelve lives

Editorial comment

Despite the Vaishnodevi Temple being managed by the Government, such incidents taking place is a shame on the Administration. What is the use of such management which does not take concrete measures to control such mishaps in a famous Hindu pilgrimage ?

Jammu (J&K) – Twelve people were killed and twenty others injured in a stampede at the Vaishnodevi Temple in Katra around 2.45 a.m. on the first day of 2022. The commotion took place outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple near gate no 3. The ‘yatra’ (pilgrimage) was suspended for some time after the commotion but was resumed later.

Vaishnodevi temple stampede .. 12 devotees killed https://t.co/WEczI1oIvI

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According to some eyewitnesses, the stampede was caused by the spreading of a rumour that stones are falling. It was also said that it was triggered by an argument between two groups. As such there was a huge crowd on the Mata Vaishnodevi Bhavan Marg. The sight of the crowd created panic. People also blame the Administration. When the crowd was beyond control why didn’t they stop the people ?

One devotee also said ‘Why so many ‘Darshan’ receipts were issued ? The accident happened due to overcrowding.

An eyewitness said some devotees stood in the Mata Vaishnodevi temple premises after ‘Darshan’. So people could not enter and a huge crowd had gathered outside the Temple. When people from inside started coming out they did not get sufficient place to come out of the Temple through such a narrow path which caused the commotion.