Highlights: High-level probe ordered into Vaishno Devi stampede, yatra resumes

As many as 12 people were killed and 13 others injured in a stampede that occurred at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Saturday morning.

"The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by the stampede," Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbag Singh told news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

The police launched a rescue operation to evacuate the people. The situation is under control now, according to officials.

Follow all the updates here:

• Jan 01, 2022 11:02 PM IST

  Probe panel asked to submit report within a week

  The committee set up by the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been asked to submit the report of the probe into the Vaishno Devi stampede earlier in the day, within a week. Read here.

• Jan 01, 2022 01:50 PM IST

  4 injured in Vaishno Devi stampede in 'serious condition', say hospital authorities

  Four people who were injured in Saturday morning's stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra are currently in serious condition and are on ventilators, according to authorites of the hospital they have been admitted to.

  “First casualties arrived at our hospital at around 3 am. We received around 15 patients but four of them were in serious condition. They were unconscious when they reached the hospital and they are still in the ICU on ventilators,” news agency ANI reported Dr JP Singh, neurosurgeon at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, as saying.

• Jan 01, 2022 09:51 AM IST

  Centre instructs authorities to provide better treatment to injured

  The Centre has instructed the authorities to provide better treatment to the injured and move them immediately to a hospital with best facilities if necessary, reports news agency ANI.

  Speaking to ANI, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was monitoring the situation. 

  "The local administration has been given instruction that if there is a need for better treatment for the injured ones, then they should be shifted to another hospital where best facilities are available without any delay," he added.

• Jan 01, 2022 08:36 AM IST

  Amit Shah briefed, high-level inquiry ordered into stampede incident, says Manoj Sinha

  Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha informed on Saturday that Union home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed about the stampede and a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. 

  “The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” Sinha added.

  Meanwhile, the yatra has resumed, people familiar with the development confirmed.

• Jan 01, 2022 08:27 AM IST

  Rahul Gandhi offers condolences to families of victims

  Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mourned the deaths in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. "The stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi temple is tragic. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased," Gandhi said on Twitter. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

• Jan 01, 2022 08:21 AM IST

  Head of Vaishno Devi shrine urges devotees to stay calm and avoid chaos

  The head priest of the shrine, Pandit Sudarshan, has appealed to the pilgrims to stay calm and avoid creating chaos at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. He has expressed grief at the loss of lives at the shrine.

• Jan 01, 2022 08:01 AM IST

  12 dead, 13 injured in Vaishno Devi stampede

  As many as 12 people have been confirmed dead so far in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Jashmir's Katra. According to officials, the stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees. At least 13 others were injured during the stampede and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.  

• Jan 01, 2022 07:53 AM IST

  PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF

  An ex-gratia of ₹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 in Katra, J&K. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Modi

• Jan 01, 2022 07:50 AM IST

  J&K Lt Guv announces ₹10 lakh ex-gratia

  An ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; ₹2 lakh for the injured: J&K LG Manoj Sinha