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Several people have been killed in a stampede at a religious shrine in Kashmir | Stories

THE ISSUE IS GROWING,

Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu temples in northern India, and thousands of people go to prayer every day.

At least 12 people have been killed and 13 injured in a stampede at a religious shrine on Saturday morning in Kashmir, which is controlled by India, officials said.

“At least 12 people have lost their lives and 13 have been injured,” an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“The danger can be even greater because the road to the high mountain was full of religious people trying to make the New Year’s journey with prayers,” he said.

Other reports indicate that at least 20 people were injured.

India’s official CNN-News18 Twitter account has also confirmed the killings and the injuries. Pictures aired on television also showed several ambulances rushing to the scene.

Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu temples in northern India, and thousands of people go to prayer every day.

One disaster management official confirmed the deaths, saying the shooting took place around 2:45 am local time (21:15 GMT).

In a televised statement, Indian President Rashtrapati Bhavan said he was “concerned about the conflict that has killed volunteers in Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan.”

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, ”he added.

The office of the Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir said “a thorough investigation” has been ordered “to determine what happened.

“It is very unfortunate that so many people have died,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter, adding that he was in contact with government officials.

“Sorry for the bereaved families. The injured will recover soon, “Modi said.

Extreme levels of violence are rampant in India’s religious festivals, where large numbers of people gather in small communities with little or no security or order.

In October 2016, at least 24 people were killed and many more were injured in a stampede at a Hindu religious festival outside Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, known for its temples.

In October 2013, mergers took place in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India more than 110 people, mostly women and children.




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